Questions and Great Answers
I’ve mentioned here before about my oldest son and how he used to ask interesting questions of people. He had to learn about facial expression, age, gender, etc. as part of his education. And, I think that is why he asked those questions. Or, maybe it was just his way of starting a conversation. I’ll probably never know.
Well, for awile a few years ago, the main question he liked to ask was, “Are you an old man?” All the older men that he asked were very gracious in their answers to him. Most of them said, “Yes, I think I’m getting on up there,” or “That’s what my wife tells me”. Anyway, I think that the very best reaction of them all was when he asked an octogenarian at our church. The man was on his way across the fellowship hall while finishing up his cookie when J approached him and asked, “Are you an old man?” The man didn’t miss a beat and, with half a smile, quickly whipped out his wallet and said, “Am I an old man? Well, I don’t know. Lemme see.” He showed us his driver’s license/I.D. that had NON-DRIVER stamped across it. He then explained to J that since he was born over 80 years ago, according to his I.D., that yes, he was probably an old man. “Oh,” said J, “and, how did your ears get so tall?” The old man gave me a look like he was trying not to laugh and we wished him a good day.
That dear octogenarian died today. We will all miss him.