Go Ahead, Rain on My Parade!

By Al Horn

If Clark Kent's alter ego thought he had a never-ending battle for truth, justice, and the American way of life then I'm here to say move over, bub. You're not alone. Actually, if Clark were a real person, I would advise him to get therapy. The sooner, the better. With all of the insanity in today's world, it would drive anybody crazy trying to keep things right. Even a... superman.

Not that I claim to be any kind of hero. I'm far from it. In fact, there are times I think a little therapy might do me some good. As it is, I will have to settle for what little comforts life's currently offering. And, of course, to carry on the battle. My role may not be as high profile as others but it's just as important. What battle, you may ask? Why the one of raising two young children in today's ever-changing social and economic landscape.

I am constantly bombarded by the six-year old on how Missy down the street gets to do this and the little girl in her kindergarten class gets to do that. Where I love this little girl dearly, truth is sometimes an option. A commodity that comes and goes on a moments notice. It's not that she lies all the time. It's just hard to tell when she is. To make matters worse, there are times when I think she honestly believes what she is saying. "Missy is allowed to play in the highway, but only on her bicycle".

Then, there is the two-year old. If you were to ask him, nothing seems to go his way. Of course, you might not be able to understand him any better than I can. Especially when he's crying about some injustice that has been performed upon him by his sister, the kids in the court, or the world in general. It's not fair that he has to come in to eat. It's not fair he has to take a nap. It's not fair that it's raining and he has to stay inside. When I am home he always appeals to me for clemency. It's no fun being judge, jury and the one who has to lie next to him when it's time to go to sleep. On the other hand, when he wakes up from his nap on a rainy day, he just wants to snuggle in papa's lap until he's awake enough to roughhouse on the floor.

Did I use the word landscape? It's spring and that always means projects to be done. I will say this about buying a previously owned home, if you choose right, you will have little to do in the way of new landscaping. On the other hand, if you build a home in a subdivision where everything had been plowed down to the ground first, you have a ton of work to do. Lump this in with the inside projects that didn't get done during the winter and it's hard to keep up with everything. Such is the life of today's American. Considering how things are elsewhere in the world, I am grateful to the man upstairs for all I do have.

Right now, there are a lot of things I thank God for. Going on vacation next week to get away from it all is at the top of the list. Of course, a vacation is a temporary thing that will come and go. Having a wife that loves me despite of my faults is a big help. Having two kids that aren't even sure what my faults are but still come running when I get home from work is nice. Golf is good physical therapy. Now, if I could only work in a little more emotional balm, I would have it made.

If you think I'm kidding about the work, take this piece as an example. It was written on three separate rainy days. Had the sun been shining, I would have been outside working my tail off. Life is an endless parade. Some days, a little rain is a good thing.