Week 2.38: Pirate Stuff

Week 2.38: Pirate Stuff is a photo that I've loved for a long time. It's my nephew, Joey, in his super awesome pirate hat. He likes to do "treasure hunting" with Pops while wearing this hat. Who wouldn't? I can't get enough of it! I actually took this picture last autumn, but a couple of weeks ago I had a conversation with Joey that made me realize I had the perfect photo to accompany a blog post. Yay!

So, this summer I get to watch my Joey overnight and all the next day every Tuesday/Wednesday. I had taken him to run some errands on a very hot summer afternoon and we were on the way to meet his dad (my brother, which, incidentally, is a concept that rocks Joey's world). Admittedly, I was focused on more than a few things including coordinating a meeting place and driving my car, so when I exited the freeway to drive surface streets, I only gave a cursory glance to the exit.

We were sitting at the red light waiting for a left turn. A man holding a cardboard sign was standing on the shoulder of the ramp. We were probably the sixth car in line. Again, I was mostly oblivious. Until. Until Joey asked me: "Auntie Sarah, what does that man's sign say?"

I distractedly replied that I wasn't sure and couldn't read it from so far away.

"Well, I bet it says something about how he lost his ship."

"Huh?"

"Does it say something about he's trying to get back to his pirate ship?" (Verbatim.)

Now I am paying full attention. I have a sneaking suspicion I know what he's getting at, but I ask anyway: "What makes you think he lost his ship?"

"He looks lost. And he's a pirate. And he has his bag with him. We should help him find his ship!"

(I should mention here, the man was wearing an eye patch. I'm guessing he was a war veteran, or else, doing a very convincing job of trying to look like one...fatigue pants, standard issue bag, and, the aforementioned eye patch.)

"Well, Joe, I don't think we have what he needs to get back to his pirate ship. He's a looong way away from water and any ship that might be his."

"I know how to help him. I know how to do Pirate Stuff."

"Really?!? I had no idea you knew how to do Pirate Stuff! How long have you known Pirate Stuff?"

"Only a small time." (Verbatim still.)

"Who taught you Pirate Stuff?"

"My daddy."

"Well, then, we should probably hurry to meet daddy. You can tell him about the pirate and he can decide if you can come back to help the pirate, okay, Love?"

A very unsure: "Okay."

I love having conversations about whatever is on my little Joe's mind. Especially when it includes pirates. Pirate Stuff. Priceless.