Sentimental

I'm feeling very sentimental today. I was saddened by the news of the death of Mike Tyson's 4-year-old daughter, Exodus. I've always loved Mike, and my heart goes out to his family. Perhaps it is because in our house there is also a 4-year-old, an exercise machine and a jump rope (which I never use).

Jason had his first toothache. This affected me and Poo. To us, Jason has always represented that which is pure, unblemished and spring-like. So, when he had tooth decay, we suddenly realized the Jason, too, is caught up in this cycle of life and death, that he is decaying, and that one day, he too will die.

Poo took him to the dentist. Jason was excited. He declared, "Jason is tough! I will not cry!" 10 minutes later, when the dentist was poking at his cavities, he was bawling.

The dentist filled the primary cavity and told Poo, "he has three more cavities--you must make an appointment to return."

I told Poo: "What's the point? Those cavities aren't hurting him and his baby teeth will fall out in a couple of years, anyway! It's just a scam for the dentist to make some more money!"

"I know!" said Poo, "and the dentist is so expensive--she charges 500 Baht ($15) per cavity!"