Whatchu Talkin' 'Bout, Willis?

Do you think Gary Coleman had or exercised a great deal of common sense? I'm not sure he did but it's not my place to condemn him for it. He had his struggles. He was a human being after all.

We humans are a fallible and fragile bunch. And we are easily traumatized by physical and mental horrors. A week ago, I was impressed by the hard work my Dad was able to do at the age of 69 (almost). But he seemed saddened by what he can't do any longer. He talked about it quite a bit. He stopped to rest in the shade at regular intervals. He's never had to do that before. He's wearing down and he knows it.

My Mom expressed her desire to go tubing with us on our vacation in Pigeon Forge the week of the 4th. She's never gone and she's afraid it's already too late. We'll take the kiddie run but if it requires any walking in the water to get over shallow spots, it's out of the question. She can't walk without her brace and her brace won't work in the river on rocks. She urged me to do as much as I can right now. They both agreed it doesn't get any better. That I should jump in with both feet while my feet still work.

All of a sudden, I felt shot through with life and energy. I felt the need to grab the bull by the horns. I stayed up late and laughed and swam with naked friends. I ate and drank and was merry. I've been working on being more socially at ease so I accepted the invitation to the movie party. I was really excited. I said so on FB so you know it's true.

I have a right knee that pops, grinds, catches funny. I had to drop my Glide class because it stirred it up more than it helped it. I injured it roller skating as a child and it's never been any damn good. Except it has. It's gotten me everywhere I've ever wanted to go. I lost weight to help it out. It's been a good knee. I've talked about having it looked at and possible surgery. I talked about it and chugged along. It took me to the party. It took me to see a movie I've never seen. And when it was my turn to get on the trampoline for my jumping photo, it climbed up there with me. It climbed up to jump. To feel free. To have fun before it's too late to have it. To be like everyone else.

My husband didn't say much when it happened. He'd had some beer and I'm told I was very matter of fact and stoic. I simply said, I fucked my knee up. I thought that was detailed enough. When he came home last night, I asked him if he was angry with me. He said, "No, but I do wish you'd used a little more common sense." That pissed me off a little. I showed this photo to him and I'll show it to you now.


Does this look like a man using his common sense? I think it looks like a man buffered from danger by alcohol. I was stone cold sober. That was my problem. After showing him this evidence, I stuck my tongue out at him. I thought it the only sensible thing to do. I love him but sometimes, I'd like to sic Gary Coleman on him.