Heredity

As humans, we spend much of our lives-- particularly our young lives-- wondering (or having wondered on our behalf) who we take after. When a new baby is born, everyone asks themselves and each other: whose eyes, or nose, or dimples will she have? Whose hair color, or build, or chin will he develop? That shy smile recollects Aunt Sally's mischievous grin, and that hand gesture is so reminiscent of Uncle Phil.

And it is not just the physical, but other traits and talents, as well. Is his propensity for music related to great-uncle Herb's career as a concert cellist? Does she take after cousin Beth's natural athleticism? Will he have his grandma's artistic talent? Will she be a clown like her brother? Likewise, adopted parents get to marvel at each new characteristic as it appears, wondering where it comes from: those unusual stunning eyes, or that skill at math.

As a child, you of course never actually think you look like anyone. No matter how many times people tell you that you look like your mom, dad, cousin, grandpa, or sister, you just don't see it. Personality traits are slightly more understandable, but even with those, you tend to believe more that you are just one of a kind. But then you get older. You start to see your family members in your own photographs, and in your reflection. Things come out of your mouth, and you're a little bit horrified how much you sound like your parents or some other family memebr. As younger cousins, nieces or nephews are born, you begin to see how deep the family resemblances run. And you wonder: who do I take after more?

Then, one day, the answer strikes you: well... I guess it must be Dad.

And then you go start trying to un-superglue your hand.