Reese propped her elbows onto the table, pushed back her plate, and said, "Well, I love chocolate cake. But when I say love, what I really mean is that I like it a lot. It's not the same love that I sometimes say when I really love something."
I'm blown away by her perception of language here. Such insight into subtle semantics -- how our English language uses the term love interchangeably for both our inconsequential likes (I love pizza) and our significant commitments of the heart and will (I love you; will you marry me?)
I prod Reese to elaborate.
"Well," she continued, eyeing Brooke across the table, "If I said that I loved something really great -- like a new hiding spot in our backyard or the monkey bars at school -- I actually mean that those things are really fun. But when I say that I love Mommy or Daddy or our fish, what I mean is that I really do love them."
"Reese, " I interjected. "We don't even own a fish."
"But I sure would love him if we did."
Mmm. Thank goodness she didn't say "or our Saint Bernard." A fish would be a much more reasonable pet? Time to go to Wally World, Robin?
ReplyDeleteI just love Reese. I actually had a dream this week that I finally met her in person! And regarding the fish: perhaps you would be interested in a Beta? :)
ReplyDeletePriceless. Absolutely so.
ReplyDeleteAww!!!That's so cute!I found you from top mommy blog!! I followed you if you could follow me back that would be great!!
ReplyDeleteAdorable!
ReplyDeleteWas that a fancy way of asking for a fish? What a cutie.
ReplyDeleteWhat an adorable little exchange! It's nice that your daughter likes noodles and fish, that means she eats healthy! Great job!
ReplyDelete