Soapbox

Like You Did it on Purpose

      So I’ve got this kid…and she’s starting to really get into the idea of giving gifts to other people. Which is a good thing, because she’s very much into other people getting gifts for her.
    Anyway, today was my birthday. Her father took her and her brother out a few days ago to buy some gifts, and they were opened and properly admired. Later in the evening, as I was relaxing in a chair, she came in and said,
    "Mom, I forgot to give you one of your presents. It’s not wrapped, ’cause, well, it’s a birthday dance! Hold on while I get my costume."

             She put on her leotard and chose a CD of piano music, and I sat in my chair while my golden-haired child gave me the best gift of the day. She jumped and twirled, and stuck her arms and legs very artfully in the air whenever she fell down.
     "I’m pretending that was part of the dance, Mom. It’s sort of a falling-dance, sometimes, see?"
    Absolutely, my prima ballerina. Always make it look like you did it on purpose.
    It was a wonderful falling-down dance. The best I ever saw in my whole entire life. Almost makes me glad to be a year older.