Tuesday, July 15, 2008

The Writer's Son

I love watching people, seeing how they interact with others, seeing those little twitches, nods, and wiggles that indicate oh-so-many things... It's fascinating.

On Sunday, I had the delight of observing a man (sci fi writer) and his baby in SS. The man was eating a peach or something messy, completely absorbed in chewing, staring blindly straight ahead. His baby was standing in the bench, bobbing up and down the way babies do when they have just learned how to stand securely.

The teacher asked, "Who would like to give the prayer?"

Baby raises his hand. Baby's little eyebrows go up and he has an expectant look. Someone else gets the mic and baby's hand goes down.

A few minutes later, the teacher says, "I know this is a difficult concept... I doubt that any of us really understand it... Do any of you have any ideas as to what this passage could mean?"

Baby raises his hand. Baby's little eyebrows go up and he has an expectant look. Someone else gets the mic and the baby's hand goes down.

Father completely unaware. Munch. Munch.

A few minutes later, the father finishes his meal and re-engages with his baby, picking him up and latching back on as father and son.

It was such a funny little glimpse -- this little wobbly baby wishing he could give answers to the tough questions, wishing he could say the prayer. If only someone would give him the mic!