Watching and observing has recently brought back many memories for me. I saw two squirrels chasing each other in the yard a few days ago. One of the squirrels was beating up on the other and suddenly the smaller squirrel got upset and ran toward a tree. As soon as the squirrel on the tree gained the height advantage, the aggressive squirrel soon stopped in its tracks and walked away. It kinda reminded me of the time I had my only fight I ever had in my life. And I really can’t even call it a fight.

For about three months in my lifetime my family lived in Beeville, Texas. My dad’s job sent us down there. A kid who lived across the street named Dougie got mad about something and he tried to chase me down and was going to wup me. I immediately took flight and my short legs carried me across the street past my parents who were standing in the yard, past the driveway and right into the garage. I then realized I had trapped myself so all I could do was jump onto the chest freezer. As I did, my leg automatically kicked into the air and caught Dougie in the head. He went home crying and I think we started playing together that afternoon. I think I was in the third grade. It was the first and last fight I ever participated in throughout my lifetime. Wrasslin’ with my brother does not count.

If I wouldn’t have seen the squirrels fighting in my yard, I may not have remembered the fight. I watch, I observe, I think and I ponder.

About two weeks ago I was in a local grocery store after a hard day at the ranch. I had my Sunday best on. Torn shirt, faded and ripped jeans, muddy boots with spots of cow stuff on them and I smelled like a high dollar cow mixed with a little bit of sweat.

As I walked past the frozen food section I noticed a young lady standing at the cooler with her head extended inside the doors. What appeared to be her mom was standing at another cooler. As I walked past I laughed to myself because the way her head was positioned inside the cooler I really thought she was smelling the cold air. In case you don’t know, the cold chill of the freezer hitting your nostrils creates a special smell that I just can’t describe.

It’s a smell that I personally enjoy every time a commercial cooler door is open. I thought the young lady was doing the same thing. As I walked past I began to hear this muffled scream coming from somewhere and by the time I placed the sound in proper perspective, I made a full turn behind and noticed two other ladies and the mom headed toward the cooler door.

The young blonde girl was still staring at the shelves in the cooler with her face pressed against the racks. I then realized the scream. Yes, she had done it…She had placed her tongue against the cold rack and there she stood. She couldn’t scream very well because her tongue was now pre-occupied with the cold rack!

I noted a split-second of panic amongst the ladies and as I moved forward to save the youngster, I ran several quick scenarios through my mind. How do I help? A bottle of water, grab a drink off the shelf, grab a cartoon of milk…what…how do I loosen her tongue without hurting her and in that moment her own body heat and saliva safely released her from her moment of imprisonment.

Momma soon took her to the soda fountain area and began the process that most mothers use. A little sugar or soda goes a long way in healing pain for a child. Something deep down in my heart tells me the injury became more drama than pain and sugar always helps.

As I completed shopping I couldn’t help myself. Dirty work clothes and all, I had to go find this youngster and make sure she was okay and I was dying to get Mom’s permission to relate this story to you. Princess Carolina then showed me her missing two front teeth and she and her mom pleasantly gave me permission to share my observations with you.

I watch, I observe, I think and I ponder…I then relate.

Special note to Princess: Please forgive me if your name is Caroline instead of Carolina. I really, really forgot your name. I’m an old man who you may someday forget too, but you have given me a memory that will last my lifetime and I know that you will be somebody’s princess forever.

Clifford

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