We’ve all scrunched together in a group and one of the in-laws has commandeered a camera to get this lovely family portrait on film for all time----the tallest and widest at the back, shortest and thinnest in the front.
The kids are making faces, someone sprouts rabbit ears, and Grandpa is hollering, “Hurry up, will ‘ya. I’ve gotta’ go to the bathroom!"
This is the umpteenth Adams family reunion and the fun hasn’t even begun.
Another flash of the camera catches Grannie with her hand buried deep in backside of the turkey carcass searching for what is anybody’s guess.
Then, beaming for the camera, she holds up her prize---a turkey neck!
Moving right along the camera lens zooms in on Uncle Mouse (that’s a nickname of course, his real name being Osborne---I can understand the alias). Deftly he covers the label on his bottle with his huge hand and toasts the camera---I’m sure it’s coke, because Aunt Mary Lou can’t be too far away. He smiles his most winning smile and points out a more interesting subject for the camera’s focus.
Zooming in again we find baby Mikey on his hands and knees eating from the dog’s dish. Doesn’t anyone ever feed that child? Two quick snaps before Mother grabs him up and chastises him for stealing the poor puppy’s food.
Making light of a family get-together, I’m not trying to belittle the tradition of family reunions or family outings. I truly feel that any occasion that brings a family together, is well worth the effort. One of America’s biggest problems is that most families spend so little time just enjoying each other’s company.
Computers, video games, television, and cell phones keep too many of our youngsters occupied without the warmth of a human touch or heartfelt sharing. Have you ever read a book entitled Sensitivity Through Electronics? I haven’t either. It is as though robots are already raising our children and I’m inclined to believe that they aren’t doing a very good job of it. Could we be dehumanizing our children without even knowing it?
Please, spend some time with your children, don’t send them to the other room to play “Grand Theft Auto" or “Bully". Take them to a water park or a museum, or if you live in the city, take them to the zoo.
The great outdoors is not just an old fogey’s adage, it’s a real place. And no matter where you live, you probably wouldn’t have to buy a lot of gas to get there. Your nearest oasis could be your backyard or the neighborhood park.
Your kids probably don’t care where they go, as long as you take them.
Just try it.
And the next time you say, “Cheese", make it Chucky Cheeses!
End.
by Sandra E. Graham, author of Amos Jakey, published by American Book Publishing, soon to be followed by Nicolina and Ernestine. Aug. 2006 |
