At the office, I have photos of Pea on my desk, pictures on my desktop and little trinkets that remind me of her while I’m toiling away like a monkey at the metaphorical typewriter (sometimes not so metaphorical). But last Thursday, I had the real deal!
A series of gaffes meant that Pea, who was shopping downtown with my mother-in-law, had to take the commuter train home with me. Before heading for the train, I took advantage of her being in my neck of the woods to introduce her to some of my colleagues.
Well, sort of.
When I brought her up to meet people, my boss among them, Pea clammed up and buried her head in my shoulder. We milled for a few minutes until I took her to my desk. She was quiet and shy until we reached my desk, at which point she lit up like a candle! She was talkative, asking me questions about my space, and curious about my stuff.
After Pea met my colleagues, we took the train home together. I will now, forever, have the mental image of her shouting 1-2-3-GO at every stop, and saying chugga-chugga-chugga CHOO CHOO to my delight and that of my fellow passengers. Never again will I experience my train ride without the thought of Pea and I together.
As a Dad, I went back to work pretty quickly after Pea was born… like most guys do. I have never had an extended amount of time with Pea away from work like my wife had during her maternity leave. So, I find myself looking for ways to incorporate her into my day. Riding the train together; bringing her to the office with me; once these events take place, my day-to-day is forever altered with mental images of my family and work lives colliding. And I like it.
Next up — find a way to bring Pea to my meetings…
Such a beautiful experience and memory to cherish. I believe that Pea’s attendance at meetings is a great course of action. This would definitely tip the scales in your favor! I don’t think anyone would be able to resist her “pouting”, that smile and those big eyes!