Never get involved in a land war in Asia

April 07, 2005 | Category: Mother to the First Power

I've spent these days in a fugue. Also? In a fug. To see me right now is to disavow any knowledge of me. I look like my mug shot (*cough*).

I've had strange medication dreams. Dreams of living in the woods, off the beaten path. Dreams of living vegetarian and cooking with kale that talks back. Dreams of spiders that wake me, crying. And Dreams of gentle hands, touching, consoling.

I wake up sweaty, in time to drive Bear to or from something. His little hand touches my forehead, rosebud lips pursed. "You're still hot," he sighs. His coppery hair seems blonder, the forsythia and cherry trees are blooming, he brought me bright branches in a pint glass full of water. Proud, concerned.

My heart breaks in love for him.

Wednesday, Bear was pleased that the candidate we voted for the day before had won. He demanded that we drive to the election office so we could get a lawn sign (yes, after the election) and I was too weak to fight him, so off we went.

We walked in, and Bear shook the candidate's hand. Asked politely for the sign.

The candidate had a staffer bring us a couple of signs. "Maybe in a few years you'll be voting for me," the candidate informed Bear expansively.

"I already voted for you."

The candidate looked a little nervous at the thought of a 4 year old voting for just a second and then realized Bear meant that he'd helped ME vote and nodded.

Bear talked to him for a minute about meeting the candidate at the last block party (yes, that my son remembered this from last August was a surprise to me, too) and from the town council meeting we'd attended. The candidate listened and smiled broadly, impressed.

I was feeling woozy so I told my boy that it was time to go home. Bear carefully picked up the two lawn signs (so big for such little arms). The Candidate stood there smirking at his staff, exceedingly pleased with his little supporter.

Bear didn't like that. "You won," he told the candidate. "But the guy who losed was not a bad man and maybe next time I'll vote for him."

The guy was gobsmacked. His staff burst out in laughter.

And sick as I was, even I giggled a bit. OK, OK, I snorted.

Maybe it was the drugs, maybe it is the bone-deep knowledge that all parents have - that our kid is unique and amazing. But what kept going through my head was a corruption of that famous Princess Bride quote:

"You fell victim to one of the classic blunders! The first is never get involved in a land war in Asia. The second, only slightly less well known, is this: Never, ever assume you've got the Bear in your pocket. He may only be 4 years old, but he's definitely his own man."

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