"A bad day?"
Not having a good day? Someone can always make a difference on whether you are going to have, or having, a good or bad day.
written on 9.2.2000
I remember when I was young I had made a bow and arrow. To test it out I thought I had to hunt something. I guess my theory at the time was *a live moving target was the only way you could prove accuracy*, a tin can would have been just as effective, but I had to have a moving target. In the city the only moving targets were rabbits, squirrels and passing cars on the highway, the cars were off base unless it was winter and you had a good wet snow for 'snowballs' and the former, pretty scarce. Well, on this occasion I happened across a pigeon which was not only rare it was down right unusual cause if they ever came around they would land on the roof. This one was meandering around in front of the house. What a fine target it would make.
My first shot was from a whopping 20 yards away or so. I missed by 30 yards. The next shot was well thought out and a little scary- I moved in and let one fly from about 20 ft. I missed by a mere five ft. Hunting was a boon. It was man against beast. I thought I was Davie Crocket' and was going to prove I was just as worthy a hunter as he. A few more shots, with each attempt halving the previous distance, and it was over. One arrow, one shot and one brave hunter that turned into a little boy again that just realized the site of death was not really to cool.
I was very upset with what I had done and called my mother at work. I sobbed out the story and she calmly said that the best thing for me to do was to go down to 'Big Joe's', the local hamburger joint that I just loved, have a root beer and a burger and in awhile I would feel better. I understand now, how she knew what was best for handling the situation. Parents, in their wonderful and unique way get their children past these events with an understanding un-be-knownst to the children.
After eating the burger and visiting with the 'nice cooks and waitresses' I felt much better. I will never forget that lesson and it was a day that I could really have said, fit into that 'having a bad day' syndrome. And thank God for understanding mothers, may she rest in peace.
Now when I have a bad day, I can understand that it is only a temporary thing. It may last longer than "I" want it to but, realistically it will be over soon. And then spirits will be bright and the sun will shine and smiles will take over again.