Thank you Sammy Sosa

I needed a break.  I just wanted a moment to remove myself from the current environment.  Too much negativity in all aspects of my life.  Too many fights, too many challenges, too many egg shells.  So I went to dinner with the person most likely to give me a laugh.  I had my laughs, no doubt, but there was so much more - as there always is.

Question:  Why is everyone so tense, so contrary, so stressed?
Totally unexpected answer, just because life makes so much sense to him:  Margaret died.  We were all better people, kinder and gentler when she was with us.  She brought us to her level.  We had to go there because she expected it.  And she would kick our butts if we didn't go there.  Now we're more focused on ourselves instead of watching out for each other.
It was kind of like a slap up against the side of the head.  Is he right?  That will take more thought, but what a wonderful way to feel about someone.  How sad for us in the short run, but lucky for us in the long run.  We can use this to be good again.
I'm still thinking about this surprise statement when I hear my name chanted in a familiar tone, pitch, and emphasis.  He's calling my name as she used to call my name from her room.  I laugh and say, "That's terrible."  He's hysterically laughing.  He then raises a loose fist to his chest, pats it, raises a finger to the sky (think Sammy Sosa)  and says, "RIP my dead buddy."  My turn to laugh and laugh.

Other highlights:

His girlfriend returns from Europe tomorrow evening.  Here's the plan - go to "DogTown" and meet her in the airport with a hot dog.  Sure to melt the heart of a young woman anxious to touch home ground after 20 hours of travel.  A real romantic.

He was critical of people who have stopped using filters before speaking.  Disappointed in those who are not living to their potential.  Questions some of his own decisions - esp the night years ago when he and a friend entered a gay bar to attract the girls who fled there to escape.  That was the last time he ventured into a gay bar because the outcome was not what he desired.  He lectured on eating healthy as he consumed large quantities of food, albeit healthy.

So thank you.  I am breathing again.  You have lifted my heart and soul, made me laugh, given me food for thought.  As I look at the familiar face across the table, I oftentimes feel as if I am not keeping up on your growth to a man.  Someone I enjoy.  Someone who inspires me.  Someone who makes me laugh and reminds me to breathe through his humor and insight. I welcome these times and appreciate the man you are becoming.

Thank you and thanks to Sammy Sosa also.