Drive safe

The spoken word. George Carlin loved to point out the shortcomings in our most fundamental method of communication. Besides finding Carlin hilarious, I have wondered at the frailties and dangers involved in speaking. So often I know what I meant, but am quite aware that those to whom I am speaking missed the point. An example: A woman says "Do these pants make my butt look big?" Is she truly asking for a fashion opinion? Is she fishing for a compliment (maybe she has lost weight and wants someone to notice)? Or, as most men read the question, is she saying "We haven't had a fight in awhile.....". Maybe even all three.



So, what we say is full of nuances. It is subject to interpretation. This became obvious to me recently. At the end of another blessed reunion, the beginning of the goodbyes were commenced with the usual reluctance and anxiety for those looking at two days in the car with kids at that age that excess calories drive the beloved offspring into fits of irational behavior calling for immediate diagnosis of ADHD, ADD, and three or four other hyper active disorders. This usually requires the immediate administration of drugs (for the parents). Kids in the car, even with video machines, toys, frequent stops, snacks prepared, and a grandparent or two along for morale support are a form of torture even the Pol Pot regime would consider cruel and inhumane.



So, everyone is saying goodbye. As we are huggers, there are embraces all around. We have spent a weekend loving and sharing as best as we can. There has been alot of eating, alot of visiting, some tears, some laughs, and alot of loving. The time has come to part. The individual cars are packed, again, some more hugs, and waves. The last words are almost always along the line of "Drive safe." I watched it again and again....... "Drive safe."



So, on the oft chance one of you read this, let me translate "Drive safe." It means:



"You are leaving, and while I am most thankful for the time together, right now I am feeling particularly low. I have just realized how important you are to my life, and your leaving is leaving a crater bigger than Montana in my heart. This may be the last time I ever see your face, and while I thank God for the experience, it hurts to say bye. I thank you for being here. You are taking with you a large portion of who I am, or hope to be. I already said I love you....... but damnit, at the risk of being redundant, I still do. I pray God be with you and hold you till we meet again. I am going to miss you........ did I tell you I love you?"



ya'll drive safe.