One night, when I was not quite two-years-old, my parents went to the theatre to see the new Batman flick, starring Michael Keaton and Jack Nicholson. They left me in the care of my uncle. During these few moments-before the movie had ended-I tripped over a root as I ran eagerly to the playground. I knocked out half of one front tooth. There were no cell phones, so my uncle contacted the theatre in search of my parents. The aisle attendant waved a flashlight, calling for, “Sam Buice.” They took the call, and abandoned the movie.
My parents watched painstakingly as I suffered the extraction of the remaining tooth. The tooth did not grow back until I was in the third grade.
Somehow, I connected “Batman” to that experience. Batman was my hero that day. Days later, my dad asked me playfully, “Who loves you?” to which I replied enthusiastically, “Batman!” He was expecting to hear, “YOU!” Years passed, and we deduced that Dad was “Batman.”
Happy Father’s Day to my Batman!
–SJB
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My husband and I dated for a few years before we got married. During that time, we adopted a puppy. I am incapable of having children with two legs and sans tails. This dog is our kid. Rush is the father of “Logan.” He plays the part marvelously. Today and every day, I am grateful for our marriage, and for the pawther of my furry baby.
Happy Pawther’s Day, Rush!
–SJB