Google

When Chris was growing up, he had an imaginary friend, Google. He didn’t play with Google much, mostly because he forgot about him, but from time to time he’d remember and feel guilty about neglecting him, so he’d push Google on the swing at the park or toss a ball his way. Google wasn’t very good at playing catch.

But look where Google is now.

Suffice to say Google has no use for Chris anymore. He’s a household name, never to be forgotten again. Everybody loves him, and he doesn’t need anyone’s pity push. He’s got all the hot chicks, and Chris has… well, me.

I say all this because Jay has an imaginary friend, now, too. Or rather a real friend who is imaginarily with him. Sofie goes with us everywhere. To the playground, to Grandma’s house, to the library, to the grocery store, out to the farmers market and into the bathtub.

He insists that Sofie have a place to sit at the dinner table and takes food off of his plate to share with her. He holds her hand as we cross the street and he asks us to carry her when her legs get tired. It’s really cute and at the same time maddening when we’re trying to get out the door and we have to put on Sofie’s shoes and socks, in addition to our own brood’s gear, and then, wait, no- stop, Mama, you have to help Sofie get on her sandals not her hiking boots, so she can match me, see Mama?

No, I don't see. Argh.

Sometimes he pretends that the whole Parra/Schultz clan is with us and Becca and Julio and Mr. and Mrs. Schultz are in the car, and he worries that there aren’t enough seat belts and cup holders for everyone, but usually, it’s just Sofie. He tells me when she’s laughing at one of my jokes or when she is hungry for graham crackers and milk. Which he needs for himself so that he can share them with her. Obviously.

I can’t blame him, really. I miss my dear friends very much, too.

So, I put on Sofie’s sandals when we go out to the park, carry her around on my shoulders when her legs get tired, and make sure there is enough room at the dinner table each night. She isn’t that much trouble to care for, actually. And it’s important to treat everyone with kindness and respect. Even the ones you can’t see. Besides, you just never know who is going to become an internet sensation and get their very own holiday.

Enjoy Google Commemoration Day, everyone, and give your friends- real, imaginary, or somewhere in between- a hug (or a graham cracker).