Writing Boots

On communication, professional and otherwise.

A conversation this morning with daughter Scout, who turns six on Sunday

11.17.2009 by David Murray // 16 Comments

"Dad, do you have words you like?"

"Mellifluous. And scout."

"Is scout a word?"

"Yep."

"What does it mean?"

"A scout is someone who goes ahead of the group and sees what's up there and comes back and tells everyone what to expect."

"Why did you name me that?"

"I guess because that's the kind of person I hope you'll be."

"Oh no, Dad!"

"What?"

"I'll get lost!"

"No you won't. You don't have to go up ahead until you're ready."

"I don't?"

"Besides, you're already a scout. You're already going ahead—you're going to school without us, you're going places in your mind that we don't go, you're riding your bike ahead of me all the time."

"You're right, Dad. I am."

"Yes, honey, you are."

Categories // Uncategorized Tags // birthday, mellifluous, scout

Comments

  1. Rueben says

    November 17, 2009 at 6:00 pm

    And the Dad of the Week Award goes to Writing Boots’ own David Murray.

    Reply
  2. David Murray says

    November 17, 2009 at 6:04 pm

    What do you get for Dad of the Week? A bottle of whiskey, I hope?

    Reply
  3. Steve C. says

    November 17, 2009 at 8:59 pm

    When are you going to break it to her that you really named her after your old car?
    Steve C.

    Reply
  4. Steve C. says

    November 17, 2009 at 8:59 pm

    When are you going to break it to her that you really named her after your old car?
    Steve C.

    Reply
  5. Steve C. says

    November 17, 2009 at 8:59 pm

    When are you going to break it to her that you really named her after your old car?
    Steve C.

    Reply
  6. Eileen B says

    November 17, 2009 at 11:30 pm

    Way to ruin the moment Crescenzo.

    Reply
  7. David Murray says

    November 18, 2009 at 12:21 am

    That’s just what Crescenzo does.

    Reply
  8. Bever says

    November 18, 2009 at 12:51 pm

    I love it. Save that conversation in a hand-written journal titled “Conversations With Scout”. That’s truly a priceless interchange between a father and daughter.

    Reply
  9. Joan H. says

    November 18, 2009 at 2:00 pm

    Any girl should be PROUD to be named after that old car! I will never forgive you for getting rid of that classic old rig. At least I know you’ll keep Scout the girl!

    Reply
  10. Steve C. says

    November 18, 2009 at 2:32 pm

    I thought it was a compliment, too, Joan. And if you know Scout (the person) she’s just like scout (the truck): tough, unpredictable, quirky, and funny as hell.
    Steve C.

    Reply
  11. Steve C. says

    November 18, 2009 at 2:32 pm

    I thought it was a compliment, too, Joan. And if you know Scout (the person) she’s just like scout (the truck): tough, unpredictable, quirky, and funny as hell.
    Steve C.

    Reply
  12. Steve C. says

    November 18, 2009 at 2:32 pm

    I thought it was a compliment, too, Joan. And if you know Scout (the person) she’s just like scout (the truck): tough, unpredictable, quirky, and funny as hell.
    Steve C.

    Reply
  13. Kristen says

    November 19, 2009 at 8:23 am

    Steve, you’re right – that’s a perfect description of Scout! She’s the best kid. Kind of like how I know Zach is a good kid, though I haven’t been lucky enough to meet him in person yet. Soon, I hope!
    It shouldn’t surprise me that people who are such oddballs would raise awesome kids!! If only all parents were as “tough, unpredictable, quirky and funny as hell,” as you and David are, I really think the world would be a much better place!

    Reply
  14. Steve C. says

    November 20, 2009 at 2:09 pm

    Zach is better than Scout.
    Steve C.

    Reply
  15. Steve C. says

    November 20, 2009 at 2:09 pm

    Zach is better than Scout.
    Steve C.

    Reply
  16. Steve C. says

    November 20, 2009 at 2:09 pm

    Zach is better than Scout.
    Steve C.

    Reply

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