Matthew

We have a frequent visitor to our house named Matthew. Our daughter is quick to point out that he is not her boyfriend, though she usually treats him as if he was (at least in the way that a 12 year old girl interacts with 13 year old boys). They make an unusual looking couple, Laura is small, pale, blue eyes and long blond hair -- Matthew is at least 2 feet taller than her, tanned, dark hair and dark eyes. He is also, uncharacteristically polite and respectful -- which is why we don't mind having him around. He's helpful (sometimes almost too helpful), friendly, able to reach things without a ladder -- just an all around useful kid. He helped us move, helped put up the shed, planted trees, watches Alex, and now he's helping Sharon sort through our garage of stuff. He is, the teenage son I don't have yet.

And in 5 or 6 years when Matthew outgrows us, I'll be better ready for the teenage son I will have.