Necked
I said to my eight-year-old grandson Max that I would
like to run necked in eight inches of snow, out in the
country away from everyone.
like to run necked in eight inches of snow, out in the
country away from everyone.
With a look of amazement, he responded that the word
is naked (ney-kid). I said I know that but you know we
true southern gentleman have a unique drawl to include a
is naked (ney-kid). I said I know that but you know we
true southern gentleman have a unique drawl to include a
full belief in “brevity is the soul of wit”. We leave out
some syllables as long as the word still has its meaning.
In the case of necked, we left both syllables, just changed
the spelling as we pronounce it.
some syllables as long as the word still has its meaning.
In the case of necked, we left both syllables, just changed
the spelling as we pronounce it.
Max replied, “Papa, whatever that means, the word is
still naked.”
still naked.”
All three of my grandsons kid me about the way
I talk but I quickly add, in a most respectful way. I want
my grandsons to be able to laugh as often as possible and
what better way than to “poke fun at each other”.
I talk but I quickly add, in a most respectful way. I want
my grandsons to be able to laugh as often as possible and
what better way than to “poke fun at each other”.
The best way to test our self-esteem is to see if we can
be the butt of good-natured comic words and laugh with
the one initiating the humor. Laughing at yourself is a
the necessity of life because your most frequent companion
will be yourself.
be the butt of good-natured comic words and laugh with
the one initiating the humor. Laughing at yourself is a
the necessity of life because your most frequent companion
will be yourself.
When you talk to either of my grandchildren, they will
be quick to share the silly things that I do to include funny
stories they have shared with me.
be quick to share the silly things that I do to include funny
stories they have shared with me.
I pray also that they will remember how Papa has taught
them to be civil in their life. I want them to recognize
and practice courtesy, politeness, pleasantry, and gesture.
I want them to be civil without even knowing they are;
them to be civil in their life. I want them to recognize
and practice courtesy, politeness, pleasantry, and gesture.
I want them to be civil without even knowing they are;
I want this behavior to be as natural and necessary as breathing.
When I am out with my boys, I am quick to point out
someone practicing civility. Unfortunately, more often than not,
someone practicing civility. Unfortunately, more often than not,
we witness just the opposite.
I share with others all the time that the only problem
in America is the people. We must be better citizens if
we want a better America.
in America is the people. We must be better citizens if
we want a better America.
Steve Sasser
