Tuesday, March 18, 2008

sweet innocence

A few nights ago at supper, Gray asked a doozie..."Why are we at war in Iraq?"

I must admit, I was inwardly groaning, really not wanting to go there. But before I can think of any sensible words to begin this discussion, Rich picks up the ball. "The president said that the leader of Iraq had some really, really bad weapons."

Max interrupts, "He said he had matches?"

Holding back laughter, Rich and I say together, "No, even worse weapons than that."

Max, with incredulity in his voice, "Swords?!!"

Well, bless your sweet little heart, Maxidoodle! I certainly wish matches and swords were the worst weapons this world had to contend with! And may you keep that sweet childhood innocence for as long as possible!

10 comments:

Anonymous said...

LOL! Sweet, indeed!

Jean said...

Oh, my! This brings back some memories. During out first excursion to Iraq, Operation Desert Storm, Don was three years old and in preschool, but he watched the news with us every night. We were quite open with him about what was going on. So one day at preschool, he started drawing combat maps and explaining to his classmates how the U.S. could use tanks in some sort of flanking maneuver. Man, did I get called on the carpet by the other parents who had not let their kids learn anything about what was going on in the world. I figured that if he saw us worried about something or talking about something in furtive tones, he'd be more scared than if he just knew about it up front. Yeah, no mother of the year award for me that year except maybe from my own kid. And tell Maxidoodle that when I drive up to visit you guys sometime, I'll bring my swords (the ones I use and the one I just have because it's pretty--a replica of a Norse sword) and let him see them up close.

Debi said...

Jean,
Oh, I wouldn't say that would knock you out of the running for mom of the year at all! It is rather funny that Don was drawing combat maps at preschool though! We don't try to hide "the real world" from the kids either. All Things Considered plays in our house every afternoon. We just kind of figure they'll ask, like Gray did the other night, when something strikes their curiosity. Luckily, so far at least, they don't seem to have a problem just asking. Which led to some interesting conversations last week when our former governor got himself in hot water...nice follow-ups to Annie's brothel question of the week before.

And by the way, Max will be thrilled to have show him your swords!

kreed said...

Boy! Brothels and war all in a week span or so! Better you than me!

chrisa511 said...

Sometimes I wish that childhood innocence could be bottled up...wouldn't it be nice to be able to go back to it sometimes? Here's to hoping that he holds on to it as long as he can...both of your boys!

Ana S. said...

lol, matches and swords...if only!

May be remain blissfully innocent for a long time!

Kim L said...

LOL. Isn't it interesting how kids understand the world? If only swords and matches were the worst dangers in the world..

I was real young during Operation Desert Storm, I think my understanding was pretty similar. Mostly I remember cheering with my classmates when they told us the Americans had won. If only it was as simple as actually winning!

Dawn said...

Oh, the innocence of children. How sweet of him to feel that concern.

take care,
Dawn

Melody said...

Ah... if only the adults think innocently like that of the children and this world will be a much better place. *sigh*

Jennifer said...

I love the way kids think. That innocence is so precious!