It began only as understanding. Much in the fashion that I was embarrassed to admit I did not understand the "What is black and white and red all over" joke. Even at the ripe old age of 35, I simply had never gotten that joke. In my head, I heard the homonym "read" and my brain simply never made the connection. I even used the joke a few times, fully realizing what the correct answer was, but not understanding why little children got it and giggled and I simply thought "who the hell buys a red newspaper?".

Just like this Simpson's joke, the correct sequence of neurons did not connect properly and I never got "the funny". Just as with the newspaper joke, I realize it's simply a play on word... and I am humbled. I'm humbled because I take things too literally. I believe that comes from being raised Presbyterian. We were a hard-nosed, work-ethic oriented, pragmatic family. Oh there was love there, don't get me wrong, but both my parents were teachers. At an early age I learned to analyze, equate, and formulate a hypothesis. My father would take me out into nature and show me that science could answer everything, but to never discount the beauty of the unknown. He was an early adopter of believing in God and believing in Science, with conflict not entering the equation to the advantage of either.

I guess that is why I needed the Homer Tax explanation. The satisfaction of it solved a deep mystery. It was with that same satisfaction that on a beautiful spring day less than 3 years ago... something clicked and I suddenly understood the Newspaper joke. It happened while I was driving no less. A connection was made and I simply "got the funny" of it. Red = read. OF COURSE! I smiled and let out a subdued chuckle. I was so stupid. The beauty of it though, the unknown beauty of it.

Thank you, Father. You were a pillar of love and reason. I miss you more as time goes by, not less. I am the person I am today because of you and your gentle wisdom. My child will be too, I promise you this.

I promise.