We are “Mimi” and “Papa” to our 3½-year-old granddaughter, Samantha Cashman, who is now at the “why?” stage. Her response to every statement is “why?” One day I was out of answers, so I used the famous Bill Belichick line: “Samantha,” I said, “it is what it is.” After a moment’s thought, Samantha answered seriously, “No, Mimi. It is what it isn’t.” End of conversation.

M.J. Leonard / North Reading