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12/11/09

Something That Made Me Laugh This Week

By Adam Gentry

 

            I was busy, engrossed in something. Stepping out of the study to get what I needed, a glass of water, and then go back. There is just too much to do. But I stopped, something tugged on my ear, a commercial on TV.

            A young couple, in bed, talking, half asleep. She was saying how “Christmas isn’t till tomorrow” but he replied with fervor that “I can’t wait”. She rolled over and gave him a gently scolding look, but the little boy in his face could not be denied. So, at some late night or early morning hour, the whole family was opening presents and laughing in the red light of their Christmas tree and the blue light of the moon. Dad was smiling on the floor with the kids, while Mom was wondering if her husband would ever grow up, and perhaps wishing he would not, a hand on her cheek, shaking her head with a smile.

            The whole scene made me laugh at the simple foolishness of it, but I was warmed by how innocently wicked he was not to wait, and how grand to just give in. It’s been a long time since I was so easy to please, since what I wanted could be wrapped in a box.

            What I truly want is to grow, to learn and become, and achieve my dreams, and the only thing that requires is time, time and practice. But I remember, in years gone by, when I wanted something, one thing, so much and fully I thought I’d burst, and I remember the pure elation when I found it, under the tree.