”Mémère, the doctor told me I could have as many children as I want!” These were the words proclaimed by my Little Flea as she arrived for her regular stay while her parents worked. She had just come from the annual appointment with the pediatrician; being a preemie, they keep a close watch on her heart valves which were not quite developed when she was born.
“Really?” I answered. “And how many do you plan to have?”
She dumped her schoolbag on the table as she answered me. “At least three. Two boys and a girl. And you are going to be their babysitter.” She giggled when she looked at me. I can only guess that my eyes and mouth were open in surprise.
“Then I hope you are planning to start having them soon!” I said without thinking. These words brought a frown to that cute little face.
“Why?” The tone was almost tentative. Seeing her reaction, I changed what I was going to say. The child had a bad enough scare with her dad’s cancer during the summer. She didn’t need any more worry about losing someone.
“Because,” I quipped. “If not they’ll need to be very well-behaved, cause Mémère will be way too old to run after them!”
Her giggle was back. “Don’t worry,” she assured me. “Gerry will make sure they listen up.”
“And Gerry is….?” My question was valid.
“My oldest boy. His name will be Gerry.” Great Scott – she already had names for them!!
“Well alrighty then! Nothing to worry about!” We high-fived. “I’ll be happy to babysit your young’uns! But I don’t wash diapers!”
There was that giggle again.
I wondered if I should ask what the father’s name would be. Nah. I’ll leave that one for her dad, maybe just suggesting that he keep an eye out for any boy whose name is Gerry.
There you go, folks. Looks like my future is sewn up, populated with little dudes and a dudette, so how can I not SMILE?
Sending it out to y’all, hope it brightens up your day!!
LUV FROM THE BUSH IN QUEBEC.
Tales from the Bush in Quebec 