When We Were Heroes
Abney, my daughter, back when she was three, in conversation with a close family friend, and processing the deaths of our dog, Mag, and my wife’s mother (who died years before Abney was born). And after listening to and singing a lot of Johnny Cash with me.
Abney: Mag died.
Friend: I know. That’s very sad, isn’t it?
(pause)
Abney: Mommy’s mom died.
Friend: Yes, that was very, very sad.
(pause)
Abney: Johnny Cash died.
Friend: (pause) Yes, and that’s sad too. But not quite as sad, because we don’t know Johnny Cash.
(pause)
Abney: (confidently) Daddy knows Johnny Cash.