Our Little Leprechaun Friend

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

To celebrate the day, I'm going to tell you about Anne's little leprechaun friend. Anne is my seven-year old daughter. She is in first grade. In her class is a little boy named Matthew and he is a leprechaun.

I first heard about Matthew in January. Anne raced home from the bus, so excited to tell me the news. In her most solemn voice she proclaimed, "Matthew is a real live leprechaun."

Me: How do you know he's a real leprechaun?

Anne: He told me.

Me: How does he know?

Anne: His Mom told him.

Me: Really??

Anne: Yes. He is a real live leprechaun. Except he doesn't have a pot of gold yet. But he is a leprechaun anyways.

Me: Huh.

Anne: He is! And he is my friend. I have a friend who is a leprechaun. I am so lucky!!

Me: Huh. Well, I'm glad you have a new friend.

Anne: Yeah. Me too. (then she sighs in contentment.)

I started watching for this leprechaun boy. It turns out he lives just down the street and rides the bus with my daughter. And I have to tell you, when I saw him I understood why his Mom told him he's a leprechaun.

1. He has beautiful red hair. Like a good leprechaun should.

2. He has cute little freckles on his cute little nose. Like a good leprechaun should.

3. He has a bubbly personality. Like a good leprechaun should.

4. His favorite color is green. Which is the color every leprechaun wears.

5. And the most convincing attribute of all...He is at least a foot shorter than any other first-grader I saw. Really! A Foot!

This last trait is even more exaggerated when he stands next to my daughter. Anne is a good 18 inches taller than him. The first time I saw them together I thought, "How funny for a leprechaun and a giant to be friends!"

The best part is today is St. Patrick's day and Anne is convinced that we have to do something special for Matthew. You know, because it's his day and all. ;)