Pierced Ears

Jake came up to me yesterday and said, Mom? Can I get my ears pierced?

The question surprised me but I shrugged. Lemme talk to your mom.

I texted her and she didn't care. I emailed a friend because it seemed like I should have more concern about such an issue with a 8 year old but she said the same thing- they let their daughter pierce her ears quite a while ago.

If they get bored, they can always let the holes close, she noted.

Sure, I finally said to Jake, you can get your ears pierced.

Okay, cool, he said and was on his way to do his homework.

When I tucked him last night, I realized I had not asked why. It's the drawback of being the third child- sometimes in the rush of the day, I forget to slow down enough to ask important questions.

I'm going to be Blackbeard in my class play, he said sweetly. I need to wear earrings for it.

You can just wear clip ons, I said.

Okay, he shrugged.

Slow down. Breathe. Yesterday was a blur of activity. A friend's father is ill, more bad financial news, another is considering a major political race...

and my son wants to be the best Blackbeard he can be.