KIDS

I was reading the entries on my Facebook home page, which, with the new timeline format can take a good part of your morning, only to come across an interesting note from my cousin’s wife. Let me explain that my cousin is a very accomplished rock and roll guitarist who travels extensively and has been in the business since the early 60’s. He is 71 years old and he and his wife have a 3 year old who is an absolute doll and the joy of his life, even though, when she graduates high school he’ll be in the ball park of 90. Knowing him, he’ll be providing the music for the ceremony. In the note, my cousin’s wife, who I will call Vanessa, because that’s her name, asks the little one a series of questions, the responses to which are absolutely adorable and funny. Pretty much what you would expect from a 3 year old. The exercise is called: “See what your kids are saying about you.” After reading some of the wee ones answers to questions like: How old is mom (she answered 100) and what is something mom always says to you (do you have to tinkle), I thought I would try the exercise on my kids, if for no other reason than just what the title explains: to find out what my kids are saying about me. My oldest is 36. Her response to the request to take the little quiz was, “Dad, I’m a doctor. I have an office to run and I am about to go surfing with my husband. Maybe another time.” My 33 year old daughter’s response was, “I have two little ones of my own, Dad, and at 7 and 4, they are a bit of a handful. This can wait, right?” My 27 year old son is currently incarcerated in North Carolina. He said, basically, “You are kidding, right?” My 26 year old has her masters degree and can't seen to find a job, so she's busy as a nanny and trying to get into grad school to get her PhD. She hasn't even seen the e-mail with the questions . My 17 year old is only home to sleep on school nights. Other than that, I’m am surprised she even remembers where we live, let alone sitting down long enough to answer questions like, What’s dad’s favorite food?” Its lobster, by the way, just in case she takes time to read this, I’d like her to know. I actually think I have an inkling of “what my kids are saying about me” and I’m sure it’s said with a semblance of respect. We have all had a terrific relationship over the years and I gave them the respect I wanted in return. They have always given it back and then some. And yet, I find myself sort of missing that period of innocence that comes from one so young, still in the beginning of their life’s discoveries. The awe with which they can watch a butterfly flit from flower to flower and answer questions like, “How do you know your mom loves you?” with “She cuts my apple, give me a bath, lets me watch TV, sings me a song and tells me I love you all day long.” Would I want to do it for a sixth time? Not on your life, but, if nothing else, the survey’s answers opened up a floodgate of memories of the amazing amount of innocent fun mine all were at that age. It’s a joy I will carry to my grave. So when my cousin’s wife asks her baby girl, “What is Mommy's favorite thing to do?” and she answers, “Drink coffee,” I say, sit down with her, have a cup of joe and savor the moment.