Laura's Corner

Oh Rachel!!!!

Posted by Laura Beyer on June 21, 2012

Last Saturday I woke up and decided to visit one of my favorite places in the world. Barnes and Nobles, a great bookstore to browse, hang and get your favorite Frappucino. In case you’re wondering, I always request Double Blended so the ice doesn’t chunk up the straw causing me a bit of frustration. 

While I’m sitting and doing my thing, I notice a little girl, back turned to me, sitting with her parents. It’s the day before Father’s Day. She appears to be 7 or 8, is fairly quiet and wearing a comfy summer outfit. They appear to be a pleasant family, enjoying a beverage, just hanging out. Something draws me to this family. Maybe it’s the fact Father’s Day is approaching and my dad is no longer present. Whatever the case, I spoke, asked her a simple question. “Psst! Hey! I have question for you,” I announce. Mom and Dad smile, look at their daughter and turn her in my direction. “So, tomorrow is Father’s Day, what did you get for your Dad?” She smiles, “It’s a secret! I can’t tell you!” Within moments we’re chatting, laughing and having an hour long conversation.

Rachel is heading to a birthday party for her cousin Alex. She’s bringing a squirt gun, I suggest she fill it, squirt him and tell him the gift is the water itself. She is a spirited young lady with an imagination to top Dr. Seuss. We’re all talking, laughing and joking around. Mom and Dad, Rachel and I chat. Mom is the spitting image of Kristen Wiig from Saturday Night Life and Bridesmaids. Dad looks just like Marky Mark (aka Mark Walhberg). I pull up pictures on my laptop and Rachel mentions her mom and dad look “older” than the Actors. Rachel mentions I look just like her teacher, but I look “younger” than her. Mom, dad and I laugh.   I say, “Hey, if you want your allowance, you might want to change your stance regarding older and younger looking. “

Rachel regales me with stories of fantasy, she has quite the imagination. Mom and dad tell me she’s quite creative, I believe they said she writes every single day. I mention being a writer as well, pull up my blog and show her my work. She mentions she’ll give me an autograph for $10,000, I tell her mine is $20,000 so she owes me. We go back and forth, joking, laughing kidding around. Rachel then says something which warms my heart.

“My mom and dad hold hands when they’re driving,” she explains. I say, “My gosh, why in the world would they do that? I can see holding hands if you’re helping someone walk down the street!” Mom and dad appear embarrassed, shy almost, as if she’s divulging top secret information. “They’re kissing all the time,” she states, almost exhausted in a way. Mom blushes, cheeks bright red. Rachel rolls her eyes, crosses her arms as if defying the odds. She mentions something about them kissing FOREVER and I state, “Oh really, I haven’t seen them kiss the whole time during our conversation, I think you’re fibbing a little.” 

I tell her she’s a lucky girl. Not every little girl has a daddy at home, it may not be as often when a mom and dad kiss and hug all the time. Most important, her mom and dad “like” one another.   That’s a very rare attribute within relationships today. I tell her one day I hope she is able to like someone just as much, and someday, she may realize how very lucky she is. 

To mom and dad; thank you from the bottom of my heart for sharing your little girl with me. For one hour of my life, I was once again reminded of the generous nature of the few, and the proud.  

Rachel, I still have the pic you drew. The whale, spouting water with a giant smile on his face.   Your signature; complete with 3 hearts, a smiley face, straight face and an arrow pointing right. When you see me again, say hi. I’ll make sure to bring my Crayola Color Sticks. We can hang, chat and write my next blog together. After all, you’re much more creative and famous than me.