And WOW that title is politically incorrect. It's okay though. I know several Mayans and they are the happiest people alive -- they'd totally laugh. Wait, let me call one now. Yes. He laughed. With the luck we've been having, I totally expected the world to end.
But it didn't. What the F.
And on that note, I'm turning a corner. Walk with me, will you?
I watched Moonstruck last night for the first time in a while. I don't think there is a better Nick Cage scene in the universe other than when he says, "Come upstairs... and GET in my bed." That and the whole tormented man scene "They say bread is life.... huh, sweetie". If I could, I would totally go back and live in Moonstruck. Either there, or the Men Without Hats Safety Dance video. I think I'd like it there too.
We have to live here... Not in Ghostbusters, Bed Knobs & Broomsticks or Beetlejuice. We have to deal. We have to grip. And the big reality of it is that we have to do better. I'm not going to lie. I love my life -- it's amazing and, aside from a few stumbles here and there, I'm happy. And the realization that people are generally good and loving may have gotten stamped down in the fury. Several times in the past week familiar store clerks have cherished my kids to the point of tears. Gripping my arm -- telling me that they love them while their eyes well up. "I can't imagine being in your shoes" one said "I don't envy you" another said -- which was weird because my boots are incredibly comfortable and we are all in this together. Immediately, I became annoyed. What? One major life-changing tragedy and the guard on being overly dramatic is down? Is this going to happen for months? Smile at them, don't cry in their presence. But then I realized -- these people, whether or not they have family, were only stopping me in an effort to share and comfort, and the tears were breaking way to smiles which are irresistible given the absurd cuteness of my kids. I live in a place where friendliness is sparse -- suddenly I am a part of a community that cares. It's true. How could this happen. How could it happen to 6 and 7 year olds. How could it happen to god-fearing, dedicated elementary school teachers. How, why why why... And then I realize that the deli clerk is filling my daughter to the brim with American Cheese. Dammit. She's never going to eat lunch. STOP FEEDING HER.
Believe me. I am not belittling the situation. I still feel that we are all damaged goods and that moving forward, our society needs a massive ass-kicking. I mean, show me the one person in this country that isn't suffering some form of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and I will slap them silly with my spatula... my metal one. Millions of people have kids. Millions. And that isn't coming to a stop any time soon -- despite the Mayans. The pedestal that has become parenthood may have been raised in the past week, but it isn't without regard for everyone else. We all have to do better.
