Rubber snakes and fake dog doo.

While in El Paso earlier this year, I was working with my buddy, Brad, who, on one of many fairly mundane days, found something to get excited about. He was inspecting a roof and discovered a rubber snake. Brad is a pretty easy-going fifty-something kid and as he climbed into our truck I could sense his excitement. “Check it out”, he said, with a slightly devilish smile on his face, as he produced the nice-sized green and black rubber snake. I was interested by his find, but not overwhelmed, until he told me his plan.


“I’m gonna hide it under a towel on Larry’s bathroom floor.” He smiled and might have giggled a little bit. I laughed at the thought of our pal, Larry, moving his towel and shaking in start at the snake. I still smile when thinking about it. Brad’s stock is always pretty high in my book, but it experienced a little jump that day as we laughed like a couple of twelve year olds at the beautiful potential of this shabby little rubber snake.

A couple of nights ago, my daughter was getting ready for bed with all the usually hubbub: pajamas on, teeth brushing, me yelling, potty, hugs and goodnight wishes. I noticed a strange nuance to her behavior. She was a little too happy. She usually mopes and complains and stalls, but this night she was more or less on task and had a peculiar way about her. I sensed something different, but couldn’t identify what it was. After she was in bed with a smile on her face, I retired to the living room to do whatever I do before I go to bed. A couple of hours later, I go through my routine, and get ready to hop in bed. While climbing into my bed, I notice, perched as a trophy right next to my pillow was a marvelous chunk of fake dog poop, very realistic. My sweet, clean, pure little six year old daughter had placed this fake turd and had snickered herself to sleep thinking about how funny it was to “get” dear old dad. I felt at the moment a profound joy. I know how good it feels to “surprise” someone and I was relieved to realize that this simple little joy would not be lost on her. Her vehicle may not have been my first choice, however I’ve learned to take what I can get. Her brother, on the other hand, I would expect no less from him. Understanding how to have fun and how to make fun is a valuable lesson and I am glad that she is developing a sense of “humor”, such as it is.

A sense of humor is a marvelous thing. It certainly takes many shapes, but is important to any joy I have encountered in this life. Laughter truly is the best medicine. It keeps life in its proper place. It reminds us that though struggles exist and daily battles are waged, a smiling peace rests nearby in the unfortunate minds of fifty year old adolescents and sweet six year old little girls. It is everywhere and makes life the grand adventure it is. Having quality people providing life’s comic relief is necessary and wonderful. We all know them and they are the best things I can think of to have.