Benjamin was reviewing his school work tonight while I was finishing up some of my work. Because he knows I am a fan of history, he decided to use me as a reference on presidential birthdays.

“Dad?” he called from the other room.

I walked from the home office to the living room. “Yes, Ben?”

“When is Abram Blinkin’s birthday again?” Only I didn’t quite hear him. Luckily, Brandy was there to translate and repeat “Abram Blinkin” for me.

“Oh, Abraham Lincoln? His birthday is the day after mine — February 12th,” I said confidently.

Benjamin paused and pondered.

“Wait, so you’re older than he is?”

Confidence deflated. I now know how Mrs. Lincoln feels in this ad:

(Also see “Age is all about perception“)