A Conversation with Ian

I had the opportunity to speak with 9-year-old Ian on the phone last night. As usual, the conversation turned to our respective pets.

"And how is Tribble?" I asked him. Tribble is his very ancient rabbit.

"Tribble is fine." Ian replied. "He is very old though. He is old enough to be a grandpa."

"Oh I think Tribble is older than that," I said. "Trible is old enough to be a great great great great great grandpa! But I don't think he has any babies. He's just like Cosmos. Cosmos doesn't have any children either."

"Really?!" Ian responded. "Cosmos doesn't have any puppies?"

"No Ian. Cosmos never had children."

Ian was quick to retort, "Why didn't Cosmos have children with Sunny?"

"Well, Cosmos and Sunny are both boys. They can't have children together." I didn't want to mention the neutering aspect at this point.

"Aunt Laura," Ian replied with a slight caustic tone in his voice, "Haven't you ever heard of Gay Marriage?" (Gay Marriage? Ian, you're nine! What do you know about this subject???)

"Yes I have, Ian." I said. "But I've never heard of Gay Childbirth."

Ian was quick to counter that point. "What about the pregnant man?"

I gave in. There was no way I was going to explain that one to a 9-year-old.

* * * * *

Later, I spoke to Adele / Mommy about the conversation. She does not know where Ian heard about any of this. But she says that he does watch the news fairly regulary. He particularly enjoys the BBC. That would explain a lot.