That's My Boy!

By Walt Scheiman

Summary

Two new fathers are standing outside of the hospital nursery looking through the glass at their new sons.  The hopes that they have for their sons differ greatly.

Characters

Tom, Walt (two new fathers)

Script

(If used as a Christmas script, the carol "O Little Town of Bethlehem" could play; with emphasis on the words, "the hopes and fears of all the years are rest on you tonight")
(Setting: Outside a hospital nursery. One father looking through the glass as the others enter.  Lights up when 2 is in place.)
1--(enters and taps on the window) Hey, how ya doin' son?
2--Which one is yours?
1--(pointing) That’s my boy right there. Third from the right.
2--Good lookin' kid.
1--Thanks.
2--(pointing) Mine’s right over there.
1--Looks just like you.
2--(very proud)) You really think so?
1--Sure, see the way his nose is sort of bent to one side? (pulls his nose to one side)
2--(trying to ignore him) Nice touch putting the boys in little baseball uniforms (ALT.--Christmas stockings)
1--It’s the least they could do considering how much they charge.
2--(changing the subject) So, what’s his name?
1--(very proud) Walter Edward Scheiman the Third!
2--(laughing) No Really, what’s his name?
1--(offended) That is his name!
2--Oh . . . sorry.
1-(over the insult) Oh that’s OK.  That’s my dad’s name.  Yeah, he’s a great guy I figure maybe he’ll turn out OK too!
2--I’m sure he will be.
1--Hey, what did ya think the first time ya saw him?
2--He was beautiful!
1--Oh, please, he was ugly.  They’re all ugly.  Mines face was all sort of flat.  (talking to baby) Hey, Walt this is what you looked like the first time that I saw you. (pretends to press face against the window, making face)
2-- I still say he was beautiful.
1--If you say so. (pause) Boy, I sure hope that he turns out OK.  I hope that I do a good job.
2--I’m sure you’ll do fine.
1--Yeah, but what if he turns out to be rotten? (getting progressively more panicked) What if he is mean and nasty?  What if starts doing drugs?  And what if he start to steal to support his habit?  And what if . . .
2--Hey, hold it.  What if he doesn’t?
1--(thinking, relieved) Yeah, what if he doesn’t?
2--(both stare at babies for a moment) See ya got a mitt.  For him?
1--(excited) You bet.  I’m gonna help him be the best ballplayer around.  Then one day he’ll make the pros and make a gazillion dollars.  And all because his dad taught him how to play ball.  You got something for your boy there? (pointing to bible)
2--In a way.  I’m heading up to my wife’s room.  We read together every night.
(ALT--I’m going up my wife’s room to read about the birth of Jesus.  It’s a family tradition.)
1--(unimpressed) Whatever.
2--But someday I’ll get him his own.
1--A Bible?  What’s a kid goin to do with a Bible?  Go get him a mitt of a football.  Don’t ya want him to grow up and be a man?
2--Sure I do.  Someday he’ll be a great ballplayer.  I’m going to teach him!  But that won’t make him a man.
1--So, what will make him a man then?
2--When he grows up loving the Lord.  When he is faithful to his wife.  When he teaches his own kids where truth is really found.  Then he’ll be a man!
1-- You sure  have some strange ideas!
2--Yeah, I guess to most the world they are strange.
1--(both look at babies)  Say, how about if you and me go find a bar and do a little celebrating.  By the way I’m Walt, just like my dad and my boy.
2--Tom. (they shake hands)
1--So, how about it?
2--No, I don’t think so.  I already have a date.
1--Oh, yeah,  I forgot.  Well I’m going to go have a few drinks and smoke a few of those “it’s a boy” cigars.  (taps on glass) See ya later Walt. You have a good time, Tom . (they shake hands and he begins to exit)  (ALT--By the way, Merry Christmas)
2--(ALT--Merry Christmas Walt)  It was nice to meet you. (Walt exits. Speaking to son)  You're going to be a great man.  (sighs)  You are the best thing that has ever happened to me. (stops, thinks, looks up) No, the second best thing. Thank you God!  (looks at baby)  I love you.  Happy birthday son. (ALT--Merry Christmas son.)
(exits as lights fade)
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© 1996 Walt Scheiman. 
If you use this script, please contact me at waltscheiman@whfriends.org with the details.  I would appreciate it.