Kintropy In Action

Yesterday, I took Gabriel to the airport to meet my Dad for dinner. He lives in Florida but is flying out here almost weekly for business, so we try to see him every time we can. He brought a work associate to the dinner.

My son, being his normal charismatic self, said "Pop Pop, do you know what?"

My father chuckled, "What Gabriel?"

"Did you know we have a President right now who Mom and Dad think have made some bad decisions."

I covered my mouth and hid my face; I was sure my face became red, and I fought back a laugh.

Gabriel was really serious as the two adult, retired Marines looked at me. My dad looked non-plussed and his associate/ friend said; "You’re starting young with the politics."

I shrugged. "Gabriel asked the other day if everyone who has become a President of America died. So Robert and I were explaining about how that it doesn’t happen with the job and that we have one now who is alive and several retired living ex-Presidents. Not just Lincoln and Washington."

Gabriel smiled "Yeah, and Mommy and Daddy don’t agree with the right-now President."

Dad laughed, "Gabriel, when you’re in charge, you have to make a great deal of unpopular decisions."

I turned to Gabriel "Yeah, Gabriel, Pop Pop actually does agree with some of the current President’s decisions."

Gabriel eyes opened wider. "He does?"

I looked at my Dad and his colleague "Yeah, but that is the cool thing about America: you can talk about not agreeing with the leaders, and it is OK."

Dad’s friend look at me, "And you don’t?" He seemed surprised.

I look at my Dad, then back at him with a smile "Yeah, I’m a Liberal Democrat."

He looked back and my Dad who shrugged and took a sip of beer.

As I look back at this conversation, I realized that my son was actually trying to engage my father in a conversation about something my Dad loves: politics. Maybe eventually he will have a grandson who can engage his mind as much as my husband does.

--Mom