I do not know what the first audible word out of a child’s mouth is likely to be. But I have watched parents attempt to coax, even bribe, their toddler into saying something that resembles “Mama” or “Dada.” And, as in the game of horseshoes, close is usually good enough. “See, she said it,” Mama exclaims to Dada….even though Dada isn’t sure he heard it (and Grandpa is absolutely certain he didn’t hear it). But all of us know that what we want to hear goes a long way towards determining what we actually do hear. Which is why it is not uncommon for people to thank me profusely (at the door of the church) for having said so clearly something that I never said at all. 

One otherwise fine day before “the wedding” in October, Julie said (right out of the blue): “Come to think of it, I never saw the two of you argue.” Which astounded Kris and myself, since we did….and do….although less than we did. Argue, I mean. After a while, what’s the point? You know each other’s lines. And most of the lines are stale. 

I do not know what you plan to give….or hope to get….this Christmas. But I am willing to bet good money that a bag of bones is not high on any of your lists. Unless you are a dog, that is. In which case bones might be on the top of your list.