It was such a memorable day at the beach. Because I sit at the waters edge with my feet in the water, it never feels too hot. Robin noted how calm the water was; Ruth and I agreed the water temperature was in the 80s. During low tide, Ruth and I went out for a swim. Have you ever met someone only once who left an impression on your heart that will last a lifetime? Quite a distance from shore in shallow water, Ruth and I were floating in delight. It was then I met Jack...what a great person! He came near and asked if I knew Mrs. Bachenstein...she was my kindergarten teacher, and she is my grandmother, he said. I must note the rush of panic which generated from the child caregiving side. I asked his name and where his parents were. He turned toward shore, fearlessly as the waves were breaking, and waved at his dad. A few minutes later, his mom made her way out to where we were (in fear her child would be kidnapped while I was freaking about water safety). Jack and I became fast friends. He asked if I wanted to hear a joke (which I welcomed with great anticipation). What do you call a big pile of kitties? He asked...A meow-tain! #hilarious. His mom chatted for a bit, but before our visit ended, Jack recited this poem (properly crediting author Shel Silverstein): Clarence Lee from Tennessee Loved the commercials he saw on TV. He watched with wide believing eyes And bought everything they advertised -- Cream to make his skin feel better Spray to make his hair look wetter Bleach to make his white things whiter Stylish jeans that fit much tighter. Toothpaste for his cavities, Powder for his doggies fleas, Purple mouthwash for his breath, Deodorant to stop his sweat. He bought each cereal they presented, Bought each game that they invented. Then one day he looked and saw A brand-new Maw, a better Paw! New, improved in every way -- Hurry, order yours today! So, of course, our little Clarence Sent off for two brand-new parents. The new ones came in the morning mail, The old ones he sold at a garage sale. And now they all are doing fine: His new folks treat him sweet and kind, His old ones work in an old coal mine. So if your Maw and Paw are mean, And make you eat your lima beans And make you wash and make you wait And never let you stay up late And scream and scold and preach and pout, That simply means theyre wearing out. So send off for two brand-new parents And youll be happy as little Clarence. Call me, (hashtag)impressed (hashtag)amused (hashtag)charmed. I spent the remainder of my beach time a bit hypervigilant (noting Jacks extended family was having a large reunion...a case of everyone thinks someone else is watching Jack). Well my new, bbf (best beach friend) relationship was short-lived, but Jack gladdened my heart and made me first think about what a day in the life of Mister Rogers was like. Then I thought about the children who sat on the lap of Jesus...And they were bringing children to Him so that He might touch them; but the disciples rebuked them. But when Jesus saw this, He was indignant and said to them, Permit the children to come to Me; do not hinder them; for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Truly I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child will not enter it at all. And He took them in His arms and began blessing them, laying His hands on them. (Mark 10:13-16 NASB) #beachnut #kidcrazy #truelove #thisparentnotforsale
Posted on: Tue, 17 Jun 2014 04:48:18 +0000
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