Ellen's Gift ~ Hey Larry~

It's that time again..

Dread seemed to be looming about our very existence as we traveled along a route to the farside, through deserts and then farming terrain. It was this route chosen by myself at first, as I did not intend to waste my vacation time stopping to visit unknown relations.

Of course, Mother did'nt approve.

My neice was driving, and my sister riding shotgun. I was busy thinking of ways to express myself in a proper manner, that is, when we would finally arrive and hopefully have a pleasant time. I usually did'nt think of Mother until I had to. And part of being a "good son" required an annual visit.

Mother insisted. Though we continue to butt heads.

I could'nt sleep, and my niece continued to point out that the portable DVD player she brought along would help pass the time. She, being ever vigilant and thoughtful, brought several movies as well.

Though most of them were not my type, I continued to look through them hoping for a decent mystery.

"Try Finding Nemo" she suggested. Then began to laugh at the joke she had just made unintentionally.

"Finding Nemo"..... a cartoon. Yippeee! That oughtta hold me.

Upon the second day of the trip, we had arrived. Father would have been first to greet us, but a stroke claimed his life sometime ago. Instead the yapping ball of fur that was supposedly a dog was there on watch.

My stomach was begining to tell me that for the next few days things were not going to go down well. It would'nt be long before the guilt trips, off hand insults, the comparisons to other peoples family and children who are much better than I or my siblings thought of being, (Save one, the elder who bothers not to show at the same time) and then there are the numerous projects in and around the property that awaits us to complete. Seems that is all we're good for. It was going to be a long, miserable week.

("Keeeeep Swimming! "Keeeeep Swimming"!)

It's funny how a little thing can turn into a big thing. Here I was contemplating my visit with dear Ol' Ma and suddenly, at that particular moment, a voice kept at my brain. I began to laugh as I reached the porch step. My sister and neice not far behind.

("Keeeeep Swimming, don't give up"!)

I finally realized that I had the power to put it all to an end. Why should I be bitter and upset? I was remembering things like I always did.... ALL TOO WELL! My sister had thought I'd lost it. I looked beyond her towards my neice and smiled.

One of the character's in that movie/cartoon was voiced by Ellen De Generes, and that fish's name was Dorry. And part of what made her so endearing to me was this, Dorry had a short term memory issue. ( "We gotta find Elmo") LOL! And not only that, she was always willing to help out, be a friend. It did'nt bother Dorry that she could'nt recall the negative things as she continued on her journey to help find Nemo.

Hence, why could'nt I borrow from that and use it as part of a strategy that will prevent me from going insane? ("Keep Swimming") Whenever an unpleasant topic is brought up, or an issue that one has no control over, or even when Mother plans a last minute gathering of people to dinner un-announced, then I will put my brain on pause. Instead of being baited into fruitless arguments, I will erase everything from my mind during this one week visit.

And if I should ever...., though it is very unlikely....., get the chance to meet Ellen De Generes, I would sincerly hope that my presence does not frighten her away. All I want to do is give her a big hug, and thank her for the gift she has given to me.

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