The Most Important Equation of All

I used to play math games with my children on ski lift rides. "If I started with $10, bought a cheeseburger for $3, French fries for $2, ice cream $1 and a cookie $1, what would I have at the end? Answer: a big stomach ache." I was not funny even nearly four decades ago. But my kids didn't know that. At least until they were a bit older.

My granddaughter has developed a similar passion for these kinds of computations. Often, I can almost literally see her brain in motion, as her fingers work on the more complicated questions and her mouth opens and closes in silent assistance. Beaming with evident pride when she comes to the correct solution. Often exclaiming "that was too easy."

She has been sick most of this week (and like virtually all kids, seemingly half of her childhood), spiking a high fever for a couple of days. But she was improved enough yesterday morning to accompany her mommy in the car as they dropped her little brother off at school. They called me to say hello on their way home.

"Give me a math problem Papa." The 10 minute car ride was filled with quarters, dimes and a discussion of the value of each coin. As they reached home, the quiz continued. Another 10 minutes passed until I was able to excuse myself. I believe, if I had the stamina, this would have gone on without interruption until she picked her brother up at the back end of the day.

I think her favorite challenge may still be the one where the correct response is "a big stomach ache." I am an old dog and I haven't had a new trick in many decades. But as long as what I do brings an occasional smile to those I love dearly, then I have solved the most important equation of all. Math, as a means to finding a way into another's heart.