We’ve been spending some time on Skype lately, with my brothers. I asked Max one morning, from the other side of the counter in the kitchen,”Do you want to talk to Uncle William or Uncle Chris today?” Max asks immediately, from the living room, “Talk to them now?”I know he’s there, playing quietly, but am unsure of what he’s doing.”We can’t talk to them now. They live far away from us, in California, and they’re sleeping right now. Do you remember where California is?” We had bought placemats for the boys, that have random educational bits. The one I’m referring to is a map of the US. I don’t hear a response from Max, so I assume that he doesn’t remember at all, and has focused all his attention on playing. I turn back to peeling potatoes, knowing that he’s playing safely, and allow myself to enjoy a quiet moment. Before I know it, he’s beside me in the kitchen, struggling a little to open a large drawer next to where I am standing. He pulls out his stack of 6 placemats, finds the one with the map of the US, holds it incorrectly by 45 degrees - California on it’s side on top - and points to the state.”There it goes. There’s California, right there!” He hands me the placemat and returns to the living room.
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Sharon, Californian in Alsace Said,
April 16, 2009 @ 9:05 am
That’s really impressive!Very cute…
My kids can pick out California but then, my daughter (7) had a test in school and *missed* North America. The only kid in the class who has been there, has a nationality from there…and one of the few who gets it wrong…
I had a friend from Australia visit me so afterwards, my littlest from age 3 could pick it out on a world map. She even recognized a magnet of Australia. Not sure if she can find France though…
Binational kids have very selective geography!
They all three know all about California but then get mixed up about the rest of the continent. Canada is especially confusing (”Yes, Elodie’s mother speaks English too, sort of like Mommy, but she is NOT from the U.S.”)
When we’re in California visiting, they also don’t understand why we can’t “stop by” Indiana and see friends who are also in the States at the same time. “It’s kind of far honey…”
phillippa Said,
April 20, 2009 @ 6:57 am
SO CUTE! Max ONLY knows California because all of us (including grandparents) basically stuff it down his throat. “Where’s Mama from? CALIFORNIA!” I’m not looking forward to explaining his heritage (Mama’s from California, but was born in Burma, and is Chinese AND Burmese! And you’re all of that, AND FRENCH!) I’ve been loving reading about your kids and your life in Alsace recently on your blog. Sending you an email, Sharon.
Marianne H Said,
May 30, 2009 @ 12:33 pm
I awoke unexpectedly, dreaming of loved ones. I googled to read about such dreams and came across this site called simply ‘boys’. I am older than you, my sons are 27,25 and 20. The times you’ve written about have brought back a flood of memories. I stayed home with my sons. It made buying ‘things’ very difficult but definitely worth it. My sons have different personalities. Each their own ways.There is no greater pleasure for me then when they are together, whether I am present or not.
Even at their ages they wrestle. I love it. When they were little I had a fit if they did such a thing in the house. But the last time they did it in my home I simply captured every moment to keep it close to me, that was just last year. There is something special about boys. I wish I could go back in time and tell myself what is important and what isn’t. I wish each and every moment spent with them was imprinted on my mind so I could pick and choose which I wanted to see. But that isn’t the case. Their father left when they were 18,16 and 11. My sons are grown and gone. I am alone and ache for those times.
They are so funny! Boys have a sense of humor like non other. It has clearly affected me. Things I find funny are not the same as what mothers of daughters laugh at. And as time passes you will come to an even greater realization of the special bond brothers have. If nurtured well, they can be life long friends.
I must get back to sleep, but I will check here now and then to see how you are. Thank you for this opportunity to share.