Today is Benjamin's birthday. He has been on this planet for 365 x 22 revolutions around its axis. I asked him what that number is.
"8,035. Because of leap years."
While he is not as riveted by listing the factors of five digit numbers as he once was, he will answer a math question in a pinch.
Lately he has been sending home renovation suggestions to his sister. Just helpful hints, should she choose to upgrade. There was a photo of a set of curled stairs, that had an attached slide for those in a hurry, or with an adventurous spirit. His comment was dear.
"If these were left open someone could trip and fall. I suggest a staircase slide."
Another picture had steps with drawers that pull out, to maximize storage.
"What do you think of these stairs that are also drawers? Good? Or no good?"
He has not been to her home, so does not realize that is has but one story.
The video clips he watched on repeat yesterday fit with the theme. Bob the Builder and his friend Wendy were adding a balcony and moat to a standard box home. He likes Wendy. Also Goofy's friend Roxanne, and Pippi are on his list of nice girls.
Other times he has sent photos of chalets, and vacation getaways. For someone who has not traveled anywhere in a year, his imagination is unfettered.
Recently I was talking with a friend on speaker when she began to cry. We were in a different room and I had no idea Ben was listening but his head jerked up.
"What's the matter?"
"My friend is sad. She will be ok," I reassured him.
On Sunday a woman mentioned in a zoom that she broke her toe. Again I had no idea he was tuned in.
"What happened?"
I explained the story. That afternoon he wrote a get well card to her. I don't remember saying that it happened in a car accident, but he filled in those details, adding that he hoped her daughters were not also in the car.
Another person we chatted about yesterday was John Michael Talbot. I guess Ben qualifies as a groupie, since he knows the lyrics to many of those songs. We sang one, just because we could.
The friend who took Ben on a walk last weekend said that he burst out singing as they ambled. It was a song I wrote about Joseph's coat. If you are not familiar, Joseph was the favorite son. Ben commented.
"Israel had enough love for all of his children. Just like Andy had enough love for Buzz and Woody."
I think as the seventh in a family of nine children this is pertinent information.
