When my son was about 10, I was listening to Memory Laps by @davidsedarisbooks on audiobook in the car. Next thing I knew, he asked me to turn it up and soon was in stitches laughing at the story. Thus began a love for all things David Sedaris for him. He began asking for his books and would delight in reading his favourite essays and stories out loud to us, and to family and friends when they came for dinner.
When I found out that David Sedaris was going to be coming to Vancouver as part of @vancouverwritersfest, I knew that Liam had to be there. So, for his birthday, we bought 2 tickets and he has been counting down ever since.
Tonight was finally the night, and we got to the Queen Elizabeth Theatre early enough for the pre-show book signing! So not only would Liam get to see David Sedaris, but he would be able to meet him and get a book signed by him.
This was all exciting, but when we reached the table (and I started babbling nervously), Mr. Sedaris was so kind, and funny. He told Liam that he had a gift for him, because he likes to give gifts to young people who come to his shows. He drew a dinosaur while signing the book, and presented my son with a large, black velvet box. He prompted Liam to open it and told him it was the best gift he had in his bag. Inside was a fossilized piece of dinosaur dung, which Liam was quick to recognize as such. David Sedaris then told Liam that when life gets rough, and it feels like he can’t go on, he is to take the “turd” (his words) and “throw it as hard as you can” at whatever person is making him feel annoyed.
Liam left that encounter laughing and smiling so hard, he told me that this was “the best night ever”.
Trust a humourist to understand how happy fossilized dinosaur poop would make a 14 year old boy! All in all, this evening turned out to be more than I even hoped it would be.
Kali J Desautels 
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