The "Ask"

I think I've done a pretty good job of being a Nana so far. Rowan, age five and his two year old brother, Oliver still regularly submit to a shower of kisses each time I see them. But the real proof that I've done my job and retained my rightful place in the scheme of spoiling of small children - these two in particular - is the question that they ask me everytime we meet.

Rowan is always first to broach the subject. After the dust has settled - the love received, coats removed, shoes off, and then socks - he'll quietly approach, position himself directly in front of me, look up into my face and ask with the sweetest voice he can muster "Nana, do you have a present for me? At which point Oliver magically appears beside him and softly whispers, trance-like almost, and with a slight lisp, "A pwesent for me?" I typically stop time here just to savor the moment. To take in their chubby little presence in all it's glory - with eyes bright, lips red, cheeks cherub and all of those small fingers twiddling in anticipation.

Mostly, I tell them, yes. Sometimes it's an inexpensive toy, or a coloring book, or a quarter. Sometime it's a piece of candy or a shoebox, a strip of bubblewrap, a skein of yarn or an empty jar or yogurt container. It can be anything - anything at all - and they're happy. They're excited. And they graciously accept it.

I've gotten so good at this that Rowan sometimes specifically asks if I have more empty boxes he can have. Why this? Because it usually means BIG fun. He'll be using his full powers - with Nana's participation, and we'll invent somethimg wonderful. Is it a robot costume or a hide out for Donkey, his favorite stuffed animal? Will it hold bugs or money? Can we cut the top off and use it as a corral for our plastic farm animals or turn it into a backpack that Oliver can wear when be becomes ...er....Sprocket Man! - the choices are endless.

Recently, I've noticed that when Rowan begins the "ask", Mom or Dad steps in and tries to put the kybosh on the question with something like, "Now Rowan, you shouldn't ask for presents...." To give them credit, I suppose they're trying to teach manners but in all honestly, who doesn't want a present? It's the most refreshing, straighforward, and real question I get all day!

And also.....can I speak frankly here? What relationship with anyone do you have where there isn't an expectation that something good should come of your meeting- mostly something good for you?

These kids are geniuses! Oh,the world should be so grateful. And by the way, if you ever have any extra junk that you think is worthless, send it my way. We can make a present out of almost anything here.