What does Papi look like

                                                   What does Papi look like

                                                                            or

                                                 (What does Marcellus Wallace look like)

 

I have interesting conversations with my seven-year-old grandson Jackson. As I overslept yesterday, he headed up the stairs to my bedroom to make sure that I was awake this morning. Today I asked, "would you like me to fix you some oatmeal" To which he said yes, Papi. Then he continues Papi; it would be nice (if you liked me) for you to make oatmeal….   FULL STOP. What did you say, son? After he repeated himself. I asked, "why would you add that to what I already told you I wanted to do." at that point, I wasn't angry in the least, but I turned in that direction. Then I thought I could have some fun with this.

Son, do you know what a puppet is? He explained it's a toy that moved using strings to seem real. Good, that's correct. I must ask you Do I look like a toy? Am I this puppet to be led around the room? He answered No, Papi. Smiling, I said, you do not treat people like that. You should be direct in what you want and answer questions directly when asked. Playing the guilt game is not a good way to deal with another human being. Being direct is best because there is less room for misunderstanding. Do you know what the word manipulation means? No Papi, it is the way people get others to do things that they may or may not want to do. It's like saying that if you want me to love you, you will do this or that for me. This is playing on the affection or love that a person feels to make them do something that they do not want to do or to make sure that they do this particular thing for you. That is wrong and sometimes evil.

My wandering mind thought of Pulp Fiction and the dialog between Jules Winfield (Samuel L Jackson) and the dearly soon-to-be departed Brett (Frank Whaley) at the movie's beginning. At that thought, I just smiled. Jackson and I have conversations daily on various things. Like how some meals get ravenously consumed and others he plays with then ask with that childlike wonder, "Papi, can I have a popsicle now" when it's the latter, I say no, son, not at this moment, but you can later. "When Papi?" when you stop playing with your dinner. I have no problem with you saying you are full. That's no problem; however, when you come back an hour later saying you are hungry, that is an issue.