Death predictions
Jack just came in, sat on my lap, and told me when he thought various people would die.
I half listened while I read emails.
He said something about dying when he was 29. At first, I freaked out. Well, not really. But did pay more attention. "You're going to die when you're 29?"
"No, you're going to die when I'm 29."
I did the math. "Well, I'll be 58. I guess that's okay. I mean I'd rather live longer. But 58 isn't bad. But you know you might not have kids yet. I'd like to meet my grandchildren. How about I die when you're 40? Is that okay?"
"No."
I couldn't tell if he meant...no, you don't get to live that long. It aint in the cards. Or no, I don't want you to die when you're 40. I want you around longer.
And then he decided. "You can die whenever you want."
"Oh, I get to choose now? Cool!"
I half listened while I read emails.
He said something about dying when he was 29. At first, I freaked out. Well, not really. But did pay more attention. "You're going to die when you're 29?"
"No, you're going to die when I'm 29."
I did the math. "Well, I'll be 58. I guess that's okay. I mean I'd rather live longer. But 58 isn't bad. But you know you might not have kids yet. I'd like to meet my grandchildren. How about I die when you're 40? Is that okay?"
"No."
I couldn't tell if he meant...no, you don't get to live that long. It aint in the cards. Or no, I don't want you to die when you're 40. I want you around longer.
And then he decided. "You can die whenever you want."
"Oh, I get to choose now? Cool!"