Wednesday, October 21, 2009

It's Personal.


On Sunday, John, my darling husband, decided it was time for some personal interviews.

I always had them as a teenager with my dad. It was just a few minutes alone with Dad to discuss life, unload any worries, and maybe plan something fun to do together later. They were a life-saver for me in those troublesome teenage years when I didn't feel like talking, let alone talking to a parent, about maybe something weird that was bothering me. It was nice though, just getting things off my mind and hearing Dad says something like, "I think that's very normal" and I would challenge you to....". Helped me through some tough times.

(My very first interview didn't go that well, actually. I was about 8 and was fussy and pouty. But, when I found that we were actually planning a bike ride together and that was it, well, I cheered up and started thinking of what I would ask to do with Dad next. Just a little encouragement encase you try it and the first time it's a disaster.)

Clara got her interview first. John took her into her room and I heard him talking to her and then he sang her a little song. Then, I think, they fell asleep in the rocking chair. Everyone seemed happy about that. I asked John what they talked about because I was so curious. He said, "Oh, we talked about what she does at home, with you, while Grace is at school. Stuff like that."

Emma was next, later, after dinner. She was so delighted to get to talk to Dad for a few minutes, to have him all to herself. They planned a Daddy-Daughter date for Tuesday night. Chinese food and a movie. (I was a little jealous)

Grace was last. I have no idea what they talked about but they planned a date for next week. She was a little unamused that Emma got to go first.

Later I was just tickled and asked John "WHAT did you talk about??" I was so interested in what they might have had on their minds.]

"Well, it's personal. I can't really tell you" was his reply.

I'm charmed to think that John kept their thoughts "confidential" even though I am pretty sure they consisted of pretty innocent things like, "what are you going to be for Halloween' or some such thing.

They seemed to be charmed too.