Old and Senile

The kids and I decided to walk to the City Mall. It's pretty close but the area is full of construction sites and new buildings, so there are hardly any pavements for most of our way.

While I was holding both their hands and heading there, trying to find the shortest path to follow, my daughter was trying to pull my hand and guide us towards the paths where there are pavements, and where she does not have to step on the asphalt or near those prickly thorns growing on the sides of roads.

First it was cute , but after a couple of minutes where we ended up going upwards instead of downwards, and where the five minute walk was going to turn into a half hour walk (which I don't mind, had it not been for the nagging three-year-old-son-of-mine), I started pulling them back to routes of my choice, when Raya asked why I won't let her guide the way.

I found myself saying something like: Well, you know what mommy? I would like it if you kept the decision making for me for some time. Ok? Since I'm the mother?

Raya:  Some time, like how long?
Me:     Like till I'm really old and senile and need someone to do all the decision making for me.

So, my daughter, who usually sees the irony in what I say immediately, and who would respond at once with a sharper answer, was silent for a few minutes.

Raya:   Then, would it be Zaido's turn after that?
Me:      Zaido's turn in what?
Raya:   In Decision making, will he be next in line, after me?
Me:     You really like this idea, of me being old and senile, and you deciding things for me,don't you?
Raya:   Can't wait!

September 2007