Replaced by a Younger Woman

Until just this week, our son has always declared that when he grows up, he wants to marry his mommy. Despite the Oedipal implications, I've always secretly been flattered by his innocent wish. I kind of enjoyed being his "dream girl." But I knew it wouldn't last.

He met a new "friend" this week at Wee Woozles and is totally smitten! He came home and declared his love for Lilly, then began making her pictures, cards, and even play money. He hopes to get back to the craft shop so he can make her a leather bracelet with her name on it to match his own...apparently even 5 year-old boys have good instincts when it comes to wooing women! He says he realizes it's still very early, but he has a good feeling he will marry Lilly some day.

We, as most of you know, are from Florida. Lilly, unfortunately, lives in California. It might as well be Siberia as far as 5 year-olds are concerned. I don't have the heart to tell him that the vast majority of long-distance relationships just don't work out. They'll have to figure that out for themselves.

In the meantime, I'm just so glad that he's found a good friend here. It's taken him all summer to find one, and he's been missing his Florida friends desperately. Maybe I should suggest an ice cream date. He's been saving his ice cream money all summer, so he could buy. What girl could resist a sweet deal like that?