What is it about babies? They can make even the most accomplished or perhaps even those feared act foolish for the sake of making them smile?
Based on what I’ve heard, I think it would be safe to say that my students from the law school have a healthy dose of fear for me. In the office, the staff likewise respect me enough to abide by my instructions. To tell the truth, I kind of like the sort of intimidation the people somehow feel around me. It’s an edge. In fact, I try and maintain such a reputation by making sure I act in accordance with my present stature. And yet, last Sunday, I was making a fool of myself in full view of the public — in the hopes of making a baby smile.
A one-year old nephew is currently staying with us. He’s such a cute little baby. And when he laughs, it could be the sound of angels. While we were in church and in an attempt to entertain him and distract him from further exploring the entire church premises, I made funny faces in full view of the public. In my mind, I was worried that somebody I know would happen to walk by and see me in all my foolishness. Yet, that thought did not really stop me from what I was doing.
Then, my nephew moved on to slapping us in the face. He’s even kicked my husband on the head. And yet, nobody’s gotten mad. In fact, everyone here thinks it’s all funny. I couldn’t help wondering, if this were some other person doing this silly stuff, somebody would have gotten mad. Hah! I suppose that’s payback…for what, I don’t really know. There’s just something really humbling about taking care of a baby. It doesn’t matter if one’s a successful lawyer or a feared professor, babies only care that they are fed, taken care of and given all the attention in the world. In that, I think there’s still some justice in this world.
