A little piece of innocence lost

My girlie and I recently had our first "talk". She had been sick and was already feeling kind of down when she revealed to me . . .

"Daddy . . . I guess I know there is no Santa Claus or Tooth Fairy . . . "

It was actually a tearful moment. I wasn't shocked, but certainly surprised. A parent knows the day will come. I guess I thought it wouldn't have necessarily been as introspective moment as it was. Jamie was . . . sad. I get the feeling that she was a bit disappointed. Not mad . . . or disappointed in me or Jackie. Just sad. Again, she wasn't feeling well and I'm sure that played a part. Not only in causing a bit of her blues, but also with being sick she had a lot of time to sit around and . . . think.

A few weeks back her friend stayed over night. While playing games that night, her friend lost a loose tooth. Of course, we encouraged her to put the tooth under the pillow even though she was with us. Later that night, Jackie snuck in and put a couple of gold dollar coins under the pillow.

She thought she snuck in.

Turns out, Jamie was awake.

It wasn't that moment that convinced her. Friends at school also talk. Certainly, at 9 years old I think many parents figure most kids will figure it out. That night did provide the evidence, however.

Anyway, I thought I recovered pretty well. We cried a little together. I think we both realized it was a sign of growth, and that some of hr innocence had been forever lost. I told her that we all get to a point when we stop believing in our heads and start believing in our hearts.

She was good with that.