77 The Show

Not so long ago, but long enough, a little boy was born into a big, wide world. He was born in a time of social upheaval and raised with new ideas and ideals. He was encouraged to read a lot and express himself in various ways. The days seemed bigger and brighter, the summers long and the winters were fun too. He was allowed to explore the world around him, digging in the dirt, playing in fields, woods and creeks. He had the usual toys: cars, guns, football, baseball, etc. He loved cops and robbers, cowboys and indians, "guns" in general were great. He spent hours watching the plants and animals and bugs that were all around. He never knew what a "city" really was. It was a bunch of buildings on a tv show, that was all. That was fine by him, there was more to learn here anyway.

As he got older, he realized there was a bigger world and yet, he wanted to be here. "Here" was peaceful, "here" was a pace that suited him but still, he wanted to see the other side of it. He knew someday he wanted to find out a little more about people than what was "here".

So, he got a little older, he dabbled with a few things: a couple sports, a few school activities and he worked after school. He fell in love a couple times, the way a young man will, had his heart broken one less time than that and they started a life of their own. The little boy was still inside him. Always reading, always writing, never afraid to try something or take a chance outside the norm. Except he didnt show his work to anyone. He didnt like the idea of people making him feel "less".

He had been on the fringe most of his school years, at least that's how he felt. Most people liked him, they talked, joked, laughed and some grew close to him. After school and a while at college, he and his bride set out to see a little more of the world. He worked for a time in a city and moved home rather quickly. He went to the Army to serve his country, much like his father and uncles and cousins before him. He saw that there were people that accepted you for you, for your stoicism, your humor, your temperment. No high-school cliques, no need-based groups here. These people and their families bonded with you for you, not for what you have or where you came from. This is what he liked, but somewhere, in the back of his mind, he longed for home. When his term of service was up, he brought his bride and his new son home, the home that had seemed so long ago and far away. Soon there was another son to raise, to teach, to hold high. They grew so quickly, surely it would slow down?

He felt loved with his little family and they rode out storms together for many years. Deaths, accidents, job changes, moves, a try at self-employment, girlfriends, sports, teen hormones and the fall of a country.

The man without was still the boy within throughout all. He wanted the best for his family, just like everyone else. He lived and learned through trial and error, always feeling a little something missing though. What was it? How to find it?

With some insistence from his wife and some friends, he began writing his thoughts down, online, for all to see. His fears were overcome for the most part, he loved to write and with the exception of the teen hormones, his life seemed to come full circle. Many old friends, new friends, family and of course his wife, all seemed to appreciate his stories, his ideas and his antics. He finally has a sense of satisfaction that goes deep down. This very fall, he will start taking college classes to finish a degree that will add to the circle, to fill it in.

The man without would like to thank his wife and all those around him for their support and encouragement, the boy inside would like to look at internet porn and eat some hot wings. Thank you all from the bottom of my heart. See you tomorrow.