In the midst of all our angst and frustrated discussions on the US political trials and tribulations, my daughter, Maddy, said, "My tooth is loose!"

Due to the bad weather, school was canceled and we were enjoying a pajama day mid-week.   We were sitting around the living room watching the wind stir the harbor water into white caps and swing our kayaks hanging on the front deck.  It was Wednesday, the day after the infamous Massachusetts election and I was obsessed with my self-imposed implications.  Maddy was fascinated by her tooth's wobbly situation and oblivious to what my husband and I were discussing.  

      "If you lose your tooth in class you get a special necklace to carry it in around your neck."  She announced.

We couldn't help but stop our spirited discussion and focus on what our daughter was saying.  Her huge smile indicated she was conveying some significant information.   Maddy's eyes twinkled cuing us that she was divulging something amusing to her as well. Topics funny for my daughter didn't always translate as funny in the cold stern adult comedy world but we watch for the signs she thinks it’s cute in order to react properly - I love her humor and don't want to discourage that ability she’s developed to laugh at herself and situations thrown at her in life.

     "After you get the necklace, you get to put a sticker on the tooth chart in class.  First, though, you have to color it and draw fairies on it."

(Dramatic pause)

     "Teeth are important in second grade."

It was all I could do to not burst out in hysterical laughter.  Perfect.  Isn't that what's really important?  We snuggled up together for the remainder of the morning discussing wiggly teeth, tooth fairies, and the love of all things magical.

Eventually she wiggled the tooth completely out.

     “I thought you wanted to pull it out at school?”

     “Nah, that’s okay.  The tooth fairy will visit tonight.  That’s good enough.  Besides, I’ll get to tell Mrs. Ford about my tooth!”