Saturday, November 29

He's Cute Enough to Eat

My household prepared for something even more exciting than Thanksgiving this week. Instead of shopping for turkeys, I priced inedible items like bedding, blankets, and toys. Proud parents educate me all the time, “Oh, but it’s different when you have your own.” It must be true because every person with child says so. It’s just not for me, I tell them. Recent circumstances, however, have helped me understand the attraction.

In hindsight, my empathy toward the doting parent rarely existed. Though I thought my heart open, it barely gave me the tolerance to listen. One might consider my decision to avoid parenthood as a lack of interest—if one were to consider. Regardless of my inattentiveness, people love to brag about their offspring. As hard as they try, their enthusiasm never transfers to me . . . until the other day.

My sweetie and I went to one of my favorite chocolate stores for a couple of truffles and espressos. We sat down at the only table the shop can accommodate to enjoy our treats and chat with Pierre, the owner. Pierre leaned against his side of the counter and asked, “So, you have any ideas on how to survive the RECESSION?”

“Are you saying sales are down? I would have thought chocolate a resilient product—especially now,” I said.

While shaking his head in a deliberate up and down fashion, Pierre rolled his eyes and said, “Oh, yeah.”

Between bites of truffle my companion asked Pierre about his marketing plan and online presence.

“Well, I don’t have a website. I should. People just call me when they want an order,” Pierre said. “My son, he’s 19, does well. Pays for everything in cash. Just bought a gorgeous Audi.”

The transition of topics was abrupt and I felt awkward. Frequent practice has allowed me to perfect the art of engaging in conversation while battling internal dialog: What did I say to bring up children? We sat patiently, attentively, sucking the droplets of espresso from our cups while Pierre launched into a fifteen minute dissertation about his son.

Previous conversations with Pierre had educated me on numerous details about his life; this was the first time he had launched into an epic rendition of his son’s accomplishments. The fact that I liked Pierre, and his shop, made it easier to listen. I actually enjoyed watching his smile grow as he spoke of his son.

Perhaps Pierre shifted from depressing topics like recession and the state of his business to that which brings him joy: his son. Had I not recently shifted my own priorities, I might have continued to grit my teeth at his mention of offspring. But I understand, now, what it’s like to have a living creature inject hope when you thought all was lost. The miracle is the same, I guess; they’re just wrapped differently for each of us.

Our miracle arrives next Wednesday in the form of a kitten. We are adopting him from the pound. He’s grey with white toes, and adorable. Sometimes when I go visit him he’ll put his tiny little paws on my chin and . . . Oh! look at me, I’m doting.

2 comments:

ihfree said...

well his son has superior taste in automobiles

Choc. D said...

Ahhhhh . . . so he does. Apparently, he's on the verge of selling it. Shall I pass on your offer?