For My Dad

You Say it's your Birthday
Originally uploaded by ellenjohnrubicon.

Sophie suggested the hat. We were playing a pretend game. She was "Peachy," my grandmother whom she only knows from pictures. She said, "The baby can be JoePop. JoePop needs a hat." The whole game was all, "Did you know I'm JoePop's mommy? Did you know I have a husband?"

John always says his mom and my grandparents are looking down and smiling. But sometimes I think they just may be in the room.