Photo by Bill Stokes
By Bill Stokes
Kickass, the doorstop dog, reports that the keeper and Phyllis are coming off a weekend of hosting members of the keeper’s clan—a son, grandchildren, a granddaughter-in-law, great-grand-children and a family dog named Boo that once lived with the keeper and Phyllis.
Needless to say, it was immeasurably precious time, replete with lamenting old times, laughter over remembered shenanigans, and quiet moments of marking the departure of those gone.
It was the kind of time that defines what it means to be a member of the human race with all of its quirkiness and opportunities for boundless love.
There were no cellphones in use, except once briefly when the keeper Googled for calendar details of a fishing trip reminiscence.
It was not a time to even think of turning on the TV, packed with its explosive news of war, and offensive laxative commercials.
That cannot be us portrayed in the idiot box’s relentless series of absurdities; this is us—gathering peacefully to enjoy and love each other, along with Boo the dog, of course.
