It Was the Thought That Counted

While visiting the local hardware store for various replacement keys, picture hangers and other whatnots, my youngest four kids began a quest for the largest nail they could find.  After about 20 minutes I was finished with my business and called to them that it was time to head out.  Four beaming children met me at the door, followed by an elderly employee, with the exciting news that this nice man said they could take this home with them!

"Oh!  How generous of you!"
"Oh, it's nothing ma'am.  I know just how kids are, and I know what sorts of things they like to tinker with.  They can just have these to play with or if they want to build something.  It's nothin'.  You just have yourself a good day."

Feeling bolstered by this gentleman's kindness I walked my kids to the car, buckled them in and had a look...

"...I know how kids are...they can have these to play with...?"  Nice.

And play they did:  Before we reached home we had four pokes, two people crying, one bleeding slightly, another throwing a tantrum because she wanted some nails to play with and couldn't reach.  Half the box was dumped in the back seat (consequently, one of the pokes was in the beezer).  And in an especially bright display one child, with nails wedged between each fisted knuckle, had them pointed straight at his eye wondering aloud what would happen if we hit a big bump with these so close to his face.

"...I know how kids are..." rang in my mind as I confiscated the whole lot!