My father gets up and dressed before I’m out of bed. I look at him. Blue and white checked button-up shirt, buttoned all the way to the neck, a black t-shirt peeking out. Long pants. He’s ready for a day at the office.
Only today we’re hiking in the desert.
I made him at least put a light color t-shirt on underneath (“But my gray t-shirt is dirty.” “So? We’re hiking in the desert!”)
And then:
Peter: Don’t let me forget! I need to take my hearing aids out at the Dead Sea.
Me: Okay. (Pause) You do know of course you absolutely, very importantly don’t get your head wet?!
Peter: You don’t?
Me: No! Of course not!
Peter: It’s a sea. You don’t just go swimming and get your head wet?
Me: No! It’s too dangerous. Did you read up on this trip at all?
Peter: Yeah, but it’s a sea. What’s to read? You swim.
Me: Don’t swallow the water, either.
Peter: Okay, okay. (Two minutes later) So what’s Ein Gedi?
Sigh. I gave Peter my guide book.

