This is the story of a father and son. The father thought the world of his son–that he was talented, smart, gracious and kind.

And, one day, it was time for the son’s graduation from elementary school. And the father was so proud. So, he went to his son and he said, “Son, you’re the best son a dad could ever have. What can I get for you?”

And the son considered the question for a moment and said, “Well, Dad, what I’d really like is a pink and purple polka-dotted ping pong paddle.”

Immediately, the father said, “Anything you want, son,” and he went off in search of a pink and purple polka-dotted ping pong paddle.