Mortality...

The twins graduate in a few weeks. Are you kidding me?!?

Almost 19 years ago these two strapping boys came into the world via the UVRMC baby mill - and on that day 5 sets of twins joined them. Makes one wonder where they are, what they are doing.

These two are still squarely focused on clutching that diploma, heading off to graduation celebrations, graciously and anxiously accepting gifts...

I asked one just now how fast it has gone by. Like I blinked, he says, and then in the same sentence tells me how he has plenty of time. The raw stench of invincibility oozing through the phone punctuates the conversation and drags me back to my invincible years.

I quickly re-focus and hear all about the upcoming graphic arts competition, mission plans, girls, work, money, and I hear a shiny object in the form of Brian Regan's MEMONSTER, chuckle to myself, squash my own MEMONSTER and just listen to my son's voice talk about how he is discovering mortality and how depressing it can be.

He is reminiscing! With his buddies! How cool is that? There are yarns to weave, fish stories, remember whens, and what abouts. I told him it's not depressing, it's a gift this life and death.

I want him to be happy about it. Not only the discovery, but also the leaving behind and the stooped gait that comes with it. The black socks and tennis shoes-pull up your pants-clip your ear hair-pop in a breath mint-tell another anecdotal story-get an eye roll out of an invincible MEMONSTER-bull dance-merry go round journey.

No regrets, no compromises.

Life is Brilliant!

JARRET