Monthly Archives: December 2006

Tradition

Nate, Sarah

We bought our Christmas tree last Thursday. Nate picked it out, and my sister helped me get the lights on it. Then on Friday, Amadis came over after work and we put some ornaments on it.

When I opened the box containing Sarah’s stocking, I broke down and sobbed. Nate asked, “What is it?” and I think I managed to tell him.

I tried to keep his hands off the fragile ornaments, but I misjudged one. Santa riding a goose; it was one of Sarah’s favorites. I thought it was tougher than it turned out to be. Of course Nate dropped it, and it shattered. He was shocked; he was so sorry. I told him it was my fault, and he shouldn’t feel bad, and I gave him a big hug. And I was sort of surprised to realize I didn’t feel anything. I guess after a while, you reach a point where it just doesn’t get any worse.

And you know, they were all her favorites.

They keep things loose, they keep things light

Nate

On our way to day care this morning, the radio started playing Dancing in the Moonlight by King Harvest. Nate was immediately hooked and started playing along on his guitar. But then he heard the chorus: “Everybody was dancin’ in the moonlight.” He asked, “Dad? Why weren’t they sleeping?”

He had another good one Saturday night. My dad and I were trying to explain negative numbers to him. When I tried to illustrate it by having three M&Ms and taking away five, he held up his hand and said, “We can talk about it tomorrow.”