Buddha Redux

It's been months since the Orange Robe Episode, and nothing Buddha-related has come up in conversation around Aunt Pillowhead's house since.

But on Sunday, while out running errands, I spied a red resin laughing Buddha in the window of an antique/junk store. The little guy called to me, "Buy me for Hammerhead!" he said. So I did.

Hammerhead's reaction, when I gave it to him, took me totally by surprise.

He cupped his hands to receive it, then held and gazed at it like a father cradling his firstborn baby. "My own Buddha!" he said. "I never thought I'd have my own Buddha!"

On Monday morning, he took it with him to school, to show his friends and keep in his locker. His plan is to rub the tummy for good luck every morning, especially before tests. He held it in his hands through the entire ride there, rubbing the tummy and turning it over and over. "I used to go to Vietnamese restaurants and see the Buddha and be so jealous. But now I don't have to be jealous, because I have my own Buddha," he said. "It's so cool. It's so awesome. Man. I can't believe I have my own Buddha. It's really heavy. Will it break if I drop it? I hope I don't drop it. What happens if you drop a Buddha? Is it bad luck? Man! I can't believe it, it's so cool to have my OWN Buddha."

I couldn't really believe how much he liked it. I thought he'd be amused and maybe a little charmed, but I had no idea he'd be so overwhelmed. "I'm so glad you like it so much, Hon," I said, and I startled him. I think he forgot I was there, driving the car. He looked at me with surprise, and then looked back down at his own Buddha, smiled, and shook his head. We rode the rest of the way in happy silence. It was good.