My daughter Julia came to live with me a year ago for school. It isn't easy for me to raise someone who is practically my 8-year-old clone, but that is exactly what I find I am doing with Julia. Through our judo and soccer practices, reading, writing and arithmetic, Girl Scouts, and Japanese language classes, we occasionally have a conversation that connects us both in a sometimes deep and usually humorous way. Hopefully, you will be as entertained as we are.

You Made Him

As a Christmas present, Daddy started growing a beard (to be shaved on New Year’s Day.) He started growing it the weekend before Christmas, and they have now arrived at Mama’s (grandmother) and Papa’s (grandfather) house to go to the Christmas Eve church service. Julia rushes to find Papa, who is shaving before everyone leaves…

Julia: Papa! Do you want to see Daddy’s face?

Papa: No.

Julia: Why don’t you want to see his face?

Papa: He’s ugly.

(pause)

Julia: …but you made him.