Her Inheritance

"We are all gifted. That is our inheritance. "-Ethel Waters

For the last week, my father has been in the area doing some fieldwork up at Snowmass and also visiting with us.  Having him around has been lovely, and has made me think a little about the things I hope Maeve inherits from him, and the few things I hope she doesn't.

I, like my father, have a sort of compulsion to converse with people, even just the fellow behind the cash register.  This is a great habit, as I think it shows a certain amount of kindness and interest in others, and maybe when Maeve gets older, she'll be chatting right along with us.  My dad's compulsion extends to museum tour guides and park rangers, which I do not share, but suffice it to say my mom and I always leave a few extra minutes when touring a famous spot so that Dad can have a conversation with the curators.

My father is also a drummer, since his high school days in a Beatles cover band, and although I didn't pick that one up, it would be really fun if Maeve caught the beat.  Whenever he visits with Maeve, my dad loves to drum with her, teaching her new rhythms, and she just eats it up.

Also, my dad is a scientist, and although I didn't travel that career path, I have the same curiosity and fascination with the natural world.  I think Maeve has clearly exhibited that trait ever since she was tiny, she has always been my little scientist. 

I have high hopes that Maeve will not inherit my and my father's terrible vein structure or hypothyroidism, but otherwise, she has a pretty good genetic legacy coming from my Dad.  It's been a fun visit, and I hope Maeve is picking up all the right things.