The only thing Greek about him is his hat. And his mustache.
Papou Norman is my mom’s dad. He was born in Springfield Illinois. He like to tell people that he is Greek, but mom says he isn’t. Mom says Papou Norman watched Zorba the Greek one too many times. Mom says that nobody who hates open water, boats, wine and olives as much as Papou Norman could possibly be Greek. Mom also says that we’re Jewish, and that Papou Norman is a self-hating Jew.
Papou Norman says that when I turn twelve, he will take me back to “The Old Country” to set up an arranged marriage for me to some nice boy from Thessalonika.
Also he says I shouldn’t tell Mom that he’s planning this.
Sometimes when mom isn’t around, Papou Norman and I watch “300.”
Papou Norman cries every time.
