My daughter, Lexi, is the epitome of the inquisitive child. From the moment she learned how to speak (her first word was “book”) she has been asking questions seemingly nonstop, and her questions make me think. Sometimes I’m able to answer them easily, (“Daddy, what’s a touchdown?”), and other times I’m stumped, (“Daddy, who makes the eyes for stuffed animals?”), but I’m never bored with her. Believe me. Some times it drives me crazy, I’ll admit, because for every answer there’s another question, but I wouldn’t have it any other way. It’s what makes her special, and what makes her my daughter.
This week we had a conversation about love:
Lexi: Daddy, what’s love?
Me: Well, love is when you care about somebody a whole lot.
Lexi: But I love the cats.
Me: Um, animals count too.
Lexi: But animals aren’t people.
Me: It’s okay. If you care about anything a whole lot you can love it, or them.
Lexi: I thought love had to be something that can be returned to you.
Me: What do you mean?
Lexi: Like, I love you, so you love me too.
Me: You know I don’t love you because you love me, right?
Lexi: So, if I didn’t love you, you would still love me?
Me: Uh, yeah. I would love you even if you totally hated me.
Lexi: Why would I ever hate you?
Me: I was just saying my love is unending.
Lexi: I would never hate you, Daddy.
Me: Well, good. You know how much I love you, right?
Lexi: You love me this much [holds her hands out wide].
Me: It’s more than that, but I know what you mean.
Lexi: How do you know what I mean?
Me: Because I know how much I love you. Guess who else I love that much?
Lexi: Maddie [my other daughter].
Me: It’s called unconditional love. You know why I love you guys that much?
Lexi: [laughs] Because we’re your kids, of course.
Me: You got that right, shorty.
Sam
So sweet,
She really is something.
Maybe someday I’ll get to meet her. 🙂
You know, Jess, I really hope you do. I myself would love to meet you and have you meet the whole family. You inspire me.