My 4-year old Godson is called Zee, short for Zhynylle. He’s loved our baby Jack long before Jack was born and constantly asked whether Jack had arrived yet and made it clear to his parents. Jonathan and Marie, that as soon as Jack had arrived, he’d be visiting him.

Since Jack’s arrival Zee is nearly obsessed with him. It’s a total joy to watch. When they get together he kisses Jack constantly, holds him, and is very protective of him – sometimes too protective lol. We have come to tell Jack that he is his going to see his Kuya Zee, and Jack seems to sort of understand.

Zee is as sharp and bright as any 4 year old you are likely to meet. I have a feeling his parents sometime think he’s too bright. In short he’s the very definition of precocious. For my part, since the death of Janet’s 90-year old Lolo, who I liked a great deal, Zee is perhaps the family member I most look forward to seeing and talking too. For a 4-year old his English is surprisingly good; he mostly knows what I am saying and I understand much of what he is saying. While the Godparent role in the Philippines is to a large degree ceremonial, I take my Godfather duties to Zee and his cousin, Mia, seriously and enjoy it.

Anyway, this is a basic introduction to a conversation that Janet had with Zee this past weekend.

Zee: Why does Daddy Dave (me) and you eat with a fork?

Janet: Because Daddy Dave is a foreigner and foreigners like using forks.

Zee: Then why do you use a fork? You’re not a foreigner.

Janet: (thinking) Because I’m married to Daddy Dave.

Zee: Well, I am Daddy Dave’s Godson. That means I am a foreigner too?

Janet: You can be if you eat with a fork.

So, Zee proceeded to eat with a fork the rest of the day.

Who knew being a foreigner was so easy!