Like a Knife

Once a month I get to help out in Leah's first grade class. It's very fulfilling. I get to experience all the joys of being a teacher and none of the headaches. Last year when I helped out the kids would ask if I was Leah's grandma. That hasn't happened so far this year -- must be the vitamins.

There's a little boy, Julian, who epitomizes "snips and snails and puppy dog tails". He's very often already in trouble in the morning when I get there. You can't help but be charmed by him and his eyes that dance with mischief.

This morning I asked him what he wants to be when he grows up and he said "A basketball player and a policeman." I said "like Shaq?" He nodded in agreement and grinned with pride. I asked him if he'd please get tickets for me because I'd like to see him play when he is famous. Before he could answer, his friend Colt looked at me and said "you'll be dead by then."