The Max Has Chosen

The Prophecy has spoken. Our lots have been cast. With the passing of the Korean first birthday rite this weekend for our youngest son, Max, Bob and I are now secure in the knowledge of what lies ahead of us. Along with the usual festivities, feasting, and fotos, the Korean first birthday celebration typically includes a ceremony where the child is presented a choice of objects to foretell his future -- an ink brush symbolizes scholarship, rice the seeds of many offspring, noodles long life, paper currency great wealth, and so on.

Six years ago, Connor's first choices were not traditional, a neurology reflex hammer and a golf club. At least Bob and I know that one of our sons will inherit our profession and an expensive hobby to boot, which is too bad because as much as his Gong Gong tried to force the dollar bills into his little hand, Connor would have none of it. I guess that means he won't be going into private practice either.

Benjamin on the other hand will be the son to populate the earth with the descendents of the Shin/Ting tribe. Fitting, if you think about it, given his Old Testament namesake. The little guy was so hungry by the start of his ceremony that he went straight for the steamed rice with gusto.

Finally, sweet little Max, bless his heart, will have the greatest fortune and longevity of the three, having chosen the money and rice noodles -- go Max! I guess Bob and I will need to stay in his good graces with the hope that our youngest will take care of us in our old age, a good thing since we won't have a dime to our name after raising three kids. Who needs retirement plans anyway?