The other day, my darling grand-daughter Hannah leapt on to my lap in her usual, ebullient style. She wrapped her arm around my neck and asked 'So, Papa.' There was a pause.
'Yes, small child?' I asked.
She flashed those blue eyes at me. 'Have you got any kids?'
Naturally, this took me aback somewhat as it's not something you would expect to hear from a four year old. 'What did you say? I asked, in case my hearing was failing me like everything else seems to be these days.
'Got any kids?' she asked once more.
'Well,' I replied, a little bit warily, 'That's my kid sitting over there' as I nodded in the direction of her mother.
Hannah wasn't convinced. 'No, Papa - don't be silly - that's mummy'.
'Yes, little one' I went on, 'but your mummy is my kid, just as you are mummy's kid'
Hannah considered this for a moment. 'So, did mummy come out of your tummy?'
I tried desperately to give this conversation some meaning to one so young. 'No, my wee angel, your mummy came out of her mummy's tummy'. She thought about this. 'What? Granny?'
'Yes, pet'
She jumped off my lap and headed to her bedroom to join Jack and Ava in demolishing the play area.
I expect further inquisition this weekend as she tries to make sense of it all.
6 comments:
A child's logic.....why didn't the baby come out of your tummy Mike??
I love it when kids ask interesting/difficult questions.
Great story mate and photo!
Hugs
Peggy xxxx
Isn't it brilliant that you get the opportunity to put things straight in her wee mind. What an hounour!
Mind you, your tummy may have given the wrong impression.....
Thanks, Peggy and Gillian. And, er, thanks Mr H...
Hannah is so beautiful and getting smarter by the minute! I can only imagine the follow-up questions... Starting with "Papa said..."
Cheers, jj
Thanks, Joanna - hope all is well with you and yours.
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