Donnez-moi cinq!

Yesterday on my college chum Ann’s FaceBook page, she posted a photo of her new grandchild. Reading the flood of joyful and excited comments from other FB friends, I was delighted for Ann. This is one lucky kid!

Her post also made me think about the dimension that has been added to my own life simply by living with Seal, my 17 month-old pal.

Unexpectedly, I find myself completely captivated by this miniature diplomat to the world.

I’ve made two contributions to Seal’s development so far, much to the delight and consternation of his parents. The first is “Donnez-moi cinq!” which some of you will recognize as the classic street greeting: “Give me five!” He slaps my hand and laughs…I laugh. Everybody laughs. The second is our “great ape” act, in which we both scratch and hop and shriek like chimpanzees being teased with a banana. It never fails…it stops a tantrum, it stops adult conversation, and it would—I believe--stop traffic!

But there’s another part of living with Seal that I treasure. His very being has awakened sleeping aspects of my character. His dependency extracts my desire to make his life happier and easier with a drink, a snack, a game, a song. His vulnerability makes me willing—perhaps for the first time—to put aside my to-do list for someone else's needs. His consistent good cheer makes grouchy old adults like me smile and be a little bit goofy.

And what do I get from this unanticipated love affair? I get a shy smile when I come down for coffee in the morning. I get to hear him say something that we all agree sounds like “Stephanie”. I get to be amazed at his inability to hold a grudge for longer than three seconds. I get to share my dinner, giving him the best parts. I get to walk slowly and be interested in everything along the way. I get to learn the subtle difference between what’s fun and what’s scary. I get sloppy, wet kisses whenever I want them, but always before we go to bed.

I get to be a little more human.