Our 2-year-old Mike is beginning to use a good many words. Someone in the family even taught him to say "Abraham Lincoln" by showing him the picture on the calendar, and now he recognizes that face on any calendar or in any book where he comes across it. The Abraham is quite a mouthful, but it is recognizable, something like "A-ma-man"; the Lincoln is plain as can be.
Now that he can pronounce words, his mother thought it was time for him to take place in a family ritual. For a long time he has understood about bowing his head during the blessing at table, but the other day when Dennie finished saying grace, his mother said, "Now, Mike, you say Amen." But Mike didn't get the idea that first time around. Apparently he thought the first act was over and conversation was beginning. So he raised his head, smiled cheerfully, and said, "A-men Lincoln!" -- Hope.