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Santa and My Cousin Ralph

Posted on December 17, 2013December 22, 2013 by captaincreed

20131216-220620.jpg

Captain’s Log. Daddy Chronicles. Diaper Date 2287.
The Captain doesn’t weigh in much on controversial topics because it just isn’t his bag. However, he is going to meander into one. Briefly. Comically. In defense of Santa Claus.
The Captain believes in Santa. Not to say that you have to, truthfully, someone has got to receive the coal that the elves harvest over the course of the year. So if you are willing to take one for the team and don’t believe? Cool. Kidding.
Let me tell you a story. I had a cousin named Ralph. He died with my grandfather. I never met Ralph, but my grandfather, Poppy, never stopped talking about him. Ralph was a child prodigy. A genius. When I learned to ride my bike, Ralph had already been flying planes. I was constantly compared to Ralph with a chuckle, grin, and a smile. I figured out when I was about eight that Ralph was a literary figure that Poppy created to talk to me about life lessons. It was never scary, belittling, or insulting. I’m not scarred today because of his tales. It worked for me. It was also not the only way that my grandfather taught me lessons. Ralph was not the end all be all.
However, I will also acknowledge that this approach does not work with everyone. Some kids need a more literal, traditional manner. Some parents, or grandparents, don’t like the idea of introducing another figure into the dynamics of child rearing. I respect that. Ralph is not for every kid.
And that is fine.
I guess what I’m trying to say is that the Ralphs and Ralphnots should agree to disagree. I don’t think a parent should be judged by their use of Ralph, or lack thereof.
I think what is more important is that we pass on to our kids that this is a good time of year to think of others. To do for others. To enjoy each other. And that as one year ends and a new one begins, it is a good challenge to hold on to those selfless feelings for as long as possible.
So this Holiday Season, no matter what you celebrate, or how you celebrate it, I hope that you find peace and share it. Unless, of course, you celebrate festivus– in which case there will be a separate thread for people to start airing grievances. Kidding.
In the meantime, I need to get my stuff ready for work tomorrow. Ralph would already be prepared;)
As my grandfather would say- take care of each other and keep your car running.
For now…Captain out.

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  • 4 thoughts on “Santa and My Cousin Ralph”

    1. Larry says:
      December 22, 2013 at 1:48 pm

      Interesting tact your grandfather took. And like you said, it worked for you and that’s all that matters.
      I appreciate the sentiment you expressed here regarding not judging and thinking of others.

      Reply
      1. captaincreed says:
        December 22, 2013 at 2:09 pm

        Thanks for the kind words and for reading, Larry. As I get older, I start to realize how wise he was and wish I had the opportunity to tell him how much I appreciated the time I spent with him.

        Reply
        1. Larry says:
          December 22, 2013 at 2:11 pm

          I hear you. I think many of us get that way as we get older. This time of the year the feeling is probably more prevalent. Enjoy your holiday.

          Reply
          1. captaincreed says:
            December 22, 2013 at 2:38 pm

            Amen to that. Same to you, my friend!

            Reply

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