Playing with Water

A public demonstration of an inward proclamation is how my pastor would describe baptism; yesterday 6 folks, with whom I worship made such a vow. It was a wonderful day, and it left my heart feeling a bit tender. I want to sit here and say that my memory of yesterday was the baptism, but I will always remember my niece, who with a grin you'd find on a kid's face in Disneyland, plotted with her mom on how to throw water on me. I could see her whispering, and giggling as she aimed for a way to exact her revenge. You see, I had poured water on her mom after a garage sale a few weeks earlier, and then chased her mom and poured more water on her when she tried to retaliate. My niece was upset that night and she screamed, "Uncle Will, stop chasing Mommy," to which mom had to run over and try to console her and let her know that mommy and Uncle Will were just playing. All that was forgotten as she giggled and snickered at the chance to splash me. She made her move, she tried to strike quickly and as she approached she was stymied by uncertainty - as she crept forward with a child like exuberance I outstretched my arm, she reared hers back but before she let it fly, I said, "My water's cold, and I'll get you back." She dropped the water bottle and walked away feeling a bit defeated. She then turned her attention to Daddy. She'd get daddy instead. I wish she would have gotten me, but we got to play later when we ran around the park chasing bubbles. I loved playing with JD yesterday. The only thing that would've topped it is if I was playing with Jashod, Ciara and Brianna too.

I cannot say that I had such luck with G, I jumped and taunted her to throw water on me. Before I continue, I don't think there was much wisdom in my persistence with G. It would be like putting gasoline on a fire and not expecting it to burn when lit. I definitely lit that fuse, and antagonized her, I guess the fun of it was the teasing, and sure enough she unleashed her furry and threw a chilling cup of water all over my shirt and on my face. I quickly ran to the table, grabbing a whole gallon of water to dump on her, when in slow motion I saw Big Rafa appear from the depths of obscurity, he was really behind a shade canopy, and in one gesture dispelled any notion of continued folly. He raised his hands, shook his head in disapproval and as if removing a weapon from a confused attacker said, "Don't do it brother, it's not worth it." Then his wifey jumped forward and gave me the "Willis" look. Yes the "Willis" look, the one that stops traffic, makes a gangster cry and has a thief crying for mommy. Don't ever have to deal with the "Willis" look, it will not go well.

There seems to be a consensus that there is someone who fills our hearts with joy, who loves life, loves food, lives in every moment, and always says the most random things. She has a spirit and an energy that makes everyone smile when they get an opportunity to be in her presence. I watched a movie with her yesterday, and after she told me she didn't want any popcorn or soda, drank and ate the popcorn and soda that I brought into the movie. It was fun seeing her having fun. She reminds me of the relationship I have with my own sister, and I've come to care about her as much; we shared a laugh yesterday when we both came to notice the unkept feet of a friend. The first thing I thought was that he hadn't finished his transformation into a werewolf, his toenails were so long he could have climbed a telephone poll barefoot. He tried to dip them into the sand to hide them from view, but inadvertently poked Satan in the eye. I advised him to go home and use some garden shears to cut 'em down.

Sunday was fun, the picnic was a blast, the baptism was spiritually uplifting, the laughter was loving, the teasing, the folly, the traded jabs, and the needy jewels of wisdom that were passed on made the day comfortable as I imagine heaven to one day be. I also learned a valuable lesson from a friend when he uttered words that I've come to value - "There is no negotiating with an Indian woman," I, thinking he was bluffing, tried my hand at it - you know, negotiating. After my bark was changed to a whimper and my tail gone from a wag to a wiggle, I realized that it's not just Indian woman. Now I wonder how much trouble I'm going to get in for that one. LOL.