Angels in the Sun

From the time that Miles ran into our arms in the airport 10 days ago, to the time he said he didn't want to leave last Thursday, Geeg and I shared the joy that only childish laughter can provide. We basked in the warmth that only familial love can deliver. We cherished the comforting, exhaustng bliss that can only be acquired from grandchildren. For 7 days, Miles and Landon were our angels in the sun, regardless of the weather.

True, the weather wasn't fully cooperative, but both Miles and Landon confirmed that they are truly kindred spirits of Pop. They tirelessly took advantage of whatever the beach had to offer; building sand castles with tunnels, playing tag, riding bikes, collecting shells. They marked their territory with every toy we had. No matter; we didn't have much company by the shore. Too bad; I'm sure anyone who dared to venture to the slightly chilly beach thoroughly enjoyed the "miles & Landon" extravaganza! (We were even treated to a dolphin sighting.) When there time comes, many, many years from now, they will no doubt easily adapt to retired life by the sea. Only sand storms and Landon's sudden urgent need to go poopy deterred them from living in Pop's world. And we supplemented our usual routine with day trips to an aquarium, a manatee

habitat, numerous parks, and several meals out.

Not to say there weren't moments of angst; that's where toddlers and little boys spend much of their time. But meltdowns were few and far between, even for Julie. We pretty much followed Landon's dictatorial rule, authorized primarily because it was his birthday week, but also because, well, ...he's Landon. (He did momentarily hugely disappoint me when, upon his arrival, he cheerfully announced that he didn't want to see us. Luckily, Miles was there to translate - Landon meant he couldn't wait to see us. Whew.......)

Thanks, Julie, for handling the stressful travel days to make this vacation possible.

Thanks, Kirk, for lending your family to us.

Thanks, Miles and Landon, for being Miles and Landon.

Seven days; where did they go? We will have to be content with memories; we will be comforted by numerous skype sessions.

P.S. I ws a little skeptical of Miles' Landonspeak translation until, upon Landon's departure, he cheerfully announced that he didn't want to see Daddy, and Daddy didn't wan't to see him.

Translation: He couldn't wait to see Daddy, and Daddy couldn't wait to see him.

Makes perfect sense.

MELANCHOLY

Are you sad? If you are, that's not surprising, and certainly nothing to be ashamed of. Post holiday blues and dreary, difficult weather can perpetuate and multiply the angst of every day living. Broken New Year's resolutions gnaw at the ego. Then there's the ridiculous Conan O'Brien debacle. It's okay to be sad. Embrace your melancholy, struggle with it, defeat it, then let it go.

Find someone or something to blame (perhaps Jay Leno), then replace your sorrow with forgiveness, even if it is yourself who you blame and must forgive.

To help you enjoy (but not wallow in) your sadness, I propose the following songs to nurture your good/bad feelings:

Ask the Lonely - The Four Tops

Hello in There - Bette Midler

I Hurt Myself - Johnny Cash

Goodbye My Friend - Linda Rondstat

Didn't We - Richard Harris

Philadelphia - Bruce Springsteen

I Dreamed a Dream - Susan Boyle

There are millions of great sad songs, sung with gut wrenching emotion. Everybody hurts, some times, even Steve and Eydie.

I'm no doctor; I don't even play one in this blogsisphere, but I am a really special patient. However, if I were a doctor, I would encourage you to ease your personal sorrow by reflecting on a "feel good" story. One of my favorites from this past year is in fact related to the last sad song on my list above.

Susan Boyle, Marion Lorne look-a-like, stunned herself and the musical world with her unsuspected talent. Rags to riches; freakin' inspirational.

How's this: Don't worry, be happy. And if you can't be happy, make, make someone happy.

And you will be happy too.

"So if you're walking down the street sometime And spot some hollow ancient eyes, Please don't just pass 'em by and stare As if you didn't care, say, 'Hello in there, hello.'"

I SHOULD HAVE KNOWN........

During our trip down here, we stopped at a McDonald's that had no hamburgers. We stopped at a Mexican restaurant that had Margarhitas, but couldn't make me a martini. I should have known.........Our hotel had no list of local restaurants, and no list of shows on the available HBO.

When we arrived in Florida, I stopped at a gas station that had no gas. I should have known, something is different about this visit to the state of our legal residence. It's cold. It's not supposed to be cold.

We went to a thrift store and found the exact little wicker table and chair set we've been looking for. The table had a tag on it that said "not for sale." I should have known. Alas, the thrift store provided us with a free loaf of hard french bread. What the.........?

It's bizarre, I tell ya, but there are signs that the world as we know it is returning.
The grocery stores have food, the beaches have sand, and the churches are filled with sinners.
And...........the sun is shining today. Mid 70's.
Sit back, relax, and welcome to my world.