My Son, with whom I am well pleased.

Every Super Star needs a Stage!

In my experience there are a few times in life when you realize that you needed a video camera only after the fact.

Ours happened yesterday in our visit to Santa.

In getting the boys dressed for going out in the snow. Heather asked them what they were going to ask Santa to bring them. “Lil A”, who is three, did his impression of thinking man by placing his hand on his chin and then replied while moving his arm in a dramatic arc, “A STAGE!”

Heather and I laughed.

When we arrived at Santa’s “Chalet” “Lil A” was the first up the stairs. He politely declined to sit on Santa’s lap, instead standing three feet in front of Santa looking him straight in the eye, mano y mano.

The conversation went like this;

Santa: Well, what do you want Santa to bring you this year?

“Lil A” sheepishly: a stage

Santa, after looking quizzically at us: A stage? What are you going to do with a stage?

“Lil A” quietly: hmmmm… I’m going to {loudly now} SING!

After laughter subsides, Santa: What are you going to sing?

“Lil A” in a whisper leaning in toward Santa: Twinkle, Twinkle, little star.

Santa: Well, can you sing it for me now?

“Lil A” excited: SURE!!

After the performance was over Santa responded with a round of applause.

As my children grow, I am amazed by them repeatedly. Memories like this are cherished forever.

The more experience I gain as a father makes me more appreciative of passages like this,