In case you missed the first two (Go back and read them if
you missed them!), I’m writing a series of blogs about what I would wish for my
kids that money can’t buy. Even if you want them to have everything their heart
desires, it is impractical and nearly impossible to get that for them. Along
with being just a really bad idea. Last in my three-parter is what I wish for
my grandson, Elijah. It’s so hard to figure this one out because the little
dude is so out-there. The ones for Deanna and Deb are kind of tongue-in-cheek
but Elijah’s is a bit more serious. He’s outrageous, mischievous and bold. He’s
also sensitive, loving and kind. And interested in EVERYTHING. Read on to see
what I’ve come up with.
An endless supply of Pepperoni Pizza. Elijah sure does love his
slices. Pepperoni only. When we’re having a bad day or he just isn’t in the
mood for food…not a good thing at this age cause a growing boy gotta eat…pizza
is the answer. What kind of TMNT would he be if it wasn’t? He prefers Pizza Hut
but will settle for frozen from Walmart. Stuffed crust is his favorite but he’ll
take regular. Thick or thin is not even an issue. He likes both. So my wish
here is that he has all the pizza, all the time. Day or night. Maybe we can
find a way to hide a few vegetables in there while we’re at it.
The ability to always see things with the same excitement
and joy that he does now. He sees a garbage truck and he has the same reaction
as the first time he saw one. Fascination. He goes to a new fire station and it’s
like he’s never been to one before. He finds a penny from Heaven (what we call
pennies on the ground) and he’s thrilled. Even if he’s found ten of them
already that day. A dandelion or clover flower for his mom brings the same joy
as it always has. My wish is that he never lose this virtue that so totally defines
him.
To always be interested in the unique, off the wall things
he is now. What kid in Kindergarten says his favorite subject is science or
social studies? I’m thinking not too many. But Elijah does. All boys at his age
like to see snakes and dinosaurs but how many want to know what their bones
look like on the inside? Most boys think gators, whales and sharks are the
coolest but how many want to know how and where they swim or how long they live? How many want
to know how many different types of animal species live in the Amazon Rain
Forest? Yeah, he’s a nerd. A really cool nerd but a nerd all the same. My wish
is that it never changes because it is so uniquely Elijah.
The ability to show love to his family. No matter who is
watching. When I drop him off at before care, he gives me hugs and kisses in
front of a bunch of “cool” guys in 2nd and 3rd grade (I
think these are the ones who taught him really neat cuss words but I’m not
sure). When he’s out playing with his friends, he’ll stop what he is doing and
run over to give us love. He shouts out “I love you” to us in a grocery store
or at the park while playing. I think because we aren’t shy about showing affection,
Elijah isn’t either. I wish, I wish, I wish for him to never lose this capacity
to be open and caring.
So now you have it. May my wishes come true. But if not, may
you all get a chuckle about what I’ve written. And maybe just an idea about
what you would wish for your own little…and not-so-little…ones.
If wishes were fishes,
we’d all cast our nets….Frank Herbert
