Yesterday marked a watershed moment in my relationship with my son. I was working in the university's main library, writing my fable based on the life and deeds of Georg Elser (a terrorist in Nazi Germany). In one of the reading rooms, huddled over my iPad, my mobile phone rang. This happens to someone in the room fairly often -- and still there is no sign asking people to switch their phones to silent mode. I answered immediately, asked the person to hold (without knowing who it was), and went out into the hallway, where it is considered acceptable to speak on mobile phones.
Thinking Ola was on the other end (her picture was on the screen) I said "Hi, sorry you had to wait."
There was silence for a second and than a great big "Nam!" Nam is Christopher's equivalent -- so far as we can tell -- of "Right on!" It seems it cannot be said softly or slowly.
I replied, "Hi, Little Guy, what can I do for you, my wonderful one?"
"Nam. Nam. [Chortle.]"
Ola quickly grabbed the phone and said, "Sorry. He pushed the buttons by himself. I was taking care of Meggie."
Sorry? Okay, if it happens every half hour for the next 3 years, it might become irritating. But as a first time, as evidence of watching, paying attention, and learning, as a moment that can only happen the first time once, a glorious exclamation of challenge and success, that Nam was just wonderful. I have been fueled by it ever since.
Nam. (Add it to your lexicons.)
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