A Boy and His Tiger

For my 18th birthday, which seems like an eternity ago, I received a copy of the very first Calvin and Hobbes Collection from my friends.  As we read through the first few comics together, I literally received a phone call from my Mom informing me of my Grandfather’s death.  In the blink of an eye, my laughter turned to heavy sobs and a flood of tears.  Since my Dad's father died when I was 5 or 6, Grandpa Loughney was the only Grandpa I had really known.  He was full blooded Irish and would tell me he was going to be a saint one day.  I was in awe of that.  Of course, when you’re ten years old, you pretty much believe anything your Grandpa tells you. 

In reality, Grandpa was anything but a saint.  I’m not sure how many packs of cigarettes he smoked a day, but there were burn holes in his recliner.  The same recliner I used to fall asleep in while sitting on his lap in the evenings.  Grandpa also drank too much.  Yes, he was an alcoholic.  I know his drinking was often a challenge for his children; and yet, even with his issues and personal demons, the only thing I ever experienced was awe and wonder, and more love than I can imagine.

When he died, I was devastated.  As a teenager, I knew people died.  I watched it happen on TV and in the movies, but Grandpa’s death was the first death with a personal connection, which brings me back to Calvin and Hobbes.  In my sadness I found comfort in a boy and his “tiger”.  For short periods of time, I was able to forget about the hurt and instead find humor illustrated through the innocence of childhood. It’s no wonder they say laughter is the best medicine.

What prompted this?  It was this video clip posted by Wil Wheaton on his Google+ page.  When I watched this clip, I was immediately transported back to my 18^th birthday and the months that followed.  I was reminded of how fragile life is, and at the same time, about how much joy can be found in the simple things of life.  I was reminded that, as adults, we can still find joy in the simple things.  We only need to open our eyes and discover what’s in front of us.  It is there, we just need to look for it. 

Watch the clip and let yourself laugh out loud.  Its ok, no one will care.  Then, find someone to share it with, because joy is best shared with others.

Laughing with you,

David