The “essence” of play was actually brought to life by our daughter Zoé who, when she was just three years old, helped me make common sense on and about the meaning and importance of play.  It was at this time, more than twenty-five years ago that I was studying play and play theory at The Ohio State University.  Witnessing Zoé’s play actually brought to life the writings of the play theorists.  What follows is one of her early play journeys and an exploration of the many important lessons she and I learned.  My hope is that by sharing her story others may be motivated to make their lives and teaching experiences more playful.  Attempting to stay within the spirit of play her story is shared as a conversation Zoé and I had several years after the actual event.