June 23, 2006

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, SALAD BOY

I knew. Really, I did.

I knew when we picked up this photo from the developer that it had captured the essense of the child who would eventually be known as Salad Boy.

BrianCrazyJpg.jpg

Look at him. The hair's done hand-to-hand combat at day care. He's sitting bolt upright like his seat is on fire. He hasn't blinked in about 4 days. The swollen tongue is half-mocking, half-tasting the air snake-like for mischief and fun. There's an abrasion on one cheek from where he's tried to thumb-out another kid. His eyes are screaming, "I'm ready for adventure. Flame on!"

I knew all this when I saw the photo.

What I didn't know was that it would lead to conversations like the one we had while driving to summer camp the other day:


Salad Boy: You know where I would feel safer?

Me: Where's that?

Salad Boy: Living in a tall building.

Me: You don't feel safe where we live now?

Salad Boy: No, I do. But I'd feel safer living in a tall building.

Me: Is that right.

Salad Boy: Yes.

::::::: long pause ::::::

Salad Boy: Like on the 15th floor. In an urban area.

Me: Hmmm.

Salad Boy: Like a downtown area.

Me: I see.

::::::: long pause ::::::

Me: Did you have a particular urban area in mind?

Salad Boy: Chicago.

Me: Chicago?

Salad Boy: Yeah. That seems like a pretty safe city.

Me: Anywhere else?

Salad Boy: Seattle. Maybe San Francisco.

Me: Ah.

::::::: long pause ::::::

Me: So, the thought of a fire doesn't bother you, living up that high?

Salad Boy: Huh?

Me: Fire. If there's a fire, it'd be hard to get out.

Salad Boy: I know.

Me: That's okay with you?

Salad Boy: Yeah. It'd be alright.

::::::: pause ::::::

Salad Boy: I'd probably die, but that would be okay.

Me: Oh?

Salad Boy: Yeah. I've lived a good life.

Me: I see. So you're saying you'd feel safer living in an urban area at high altitude even with the threat of possible incineration.

Salad Boy: Yeah.

Me: And that's preferable to, say, living in the suburbs?

Salad Boy: Oh, I'd never live in the suburbs.

Me: Oh, really. Where do you think you live now?

Salad Boy: Dad, I live in the heart of Brandon.


I've been blessed to have 11 years of these kinds of mornings. Every day brings some sort of little miracle that takes my breath away.

Can't wait to see what the next year brings. His life is so full of promise and endless possibilities.

Happy Birthday, Pea. Your mommy and I love you with all our hearts.


Posted by Jeff at June 23, 2006 10:22 AM | TrackBack
Comments

Happy Bday to Salad Junior!
And thanks for the laughs, Jeff. That convo was priceless!
I can't believe he picked Chicago, however. Would he also change teams and become a BEARS fan? (gasp!)

Posted by: Laura at June 23, 2006 02:31 PM

happy birthday salad boy!

jeff, the daily moments of brian just keep getting better and better.

Posted by: jolie at June 26, 2006 09:30 AM
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