I know, it's probably cliche to write about leprechauns on St. Patrick's Day. But at least I'm not posting pictures of our corned beef and cabbage dinner. That would also be cliche. The question Do you like leprechauns? came up when Audrey was 4. She asked it in the same way that Virginia O' Hanlon asked the editors at The Sun if there was a Santa Claus, with a child's eye towards truth and acceptance. Because if we, her parents, liked leprechauns, then leprechauns existed, weren't creepy and it was ok for her to like them. Of course the question may have been more relevant if it had been asked in, say, March, but she asked in, like, August. I remember Jon and I were talking, when Audrey interrupted with her question. It was so startling in its randomness and sincerity that we probably didn't respond with the same insight or purity of thought that Francis Pharcellus Church used in replying to Virginia. Actually I think we laughed out loud. But we've used it ever since.
Here's how it works:
Him: Did you remember to pick up the dry cleaning? Me: Um, do you like leprechauns?
Me: Did you unload the dishwasher? Him: Hey, do you like leprechauns?
Her: So then I went to another store because I just couldn't find the right shade of aquamarine to match the color of my third child's eyes, and it was just a disaster, I mean, can you believe no store carries this color? Me: Do you like leprechauns?
Works every time.
I'm cool with leprechauns. They grant wishes, they save their money and the food they endorse is magically delicious, plus they hang out with rainbows. Although last night, Eli told me it was a leprechaun that messed up his room, but I think it was just his way of trying to change the subject. Unless it was this leprechaun:
And then, I believe him. And I think I like leprechauns even more.
Do you like leprechauns?
It's okay for me to post this picture. I changed the subject.
