Last Saturday night, I was sitting in front of my laptop minding my own business. Okay, I really wasn’t. I was being a Social Networker, which I think is 2010’s version of the “Social Butterfly.”
As I was catching up on all the latest news on Facebook, I saw an incoming email from my friend, Helen, who is mother to twins, Abby and Will, who are a year younger than Iz. She had just read my blog about the magic meatball. You all know how much I love that meatball and how I would never part with it.
She said, “That thing is all the rage at our kindergarten! We weren't lucky enough to get one, but the kids all talk about it.” In under one minute, I replied to Helen and said, “I thought everyone got one at McDonald’s. I’ll send you ours!” After Iz used the meatball against me, I was looking to relocate it to Phoenix; however, 30 minutes South would do!
Actually, so I don’t sound unfeeling, Iz hadn’t looked at the meatball in many days. And, as I said previously, I think she’s at the age where the McDonald’s Happy Meal toys were losing their appeal. I knew this firsthand, because she kept asking me when she could have her own cell phone; so, it was time to pass the meatball!
Helen responded and said that it would be a great surprise for her children. I asked her if I should send it with a letter from iCarly, because that was the sitcom in which the magic meatball starred. She told me to send it from McDonald’s, and then asked if I could put in a note about sharing it.
Wow, sharing! Growing up with a brother who was just two years old and a sister who was sixteen months younger, I understood that whole "sharing" concept. Though, it was unfortunate that I only grasped the concept years after my Mom had locked herself in the bathroom to escape our non-sharing behavior in addition to our other bad behavior!*
*For example, I once told Julie it was okay to run through the sprinkler with the cat. She still has the scar on her chest. But, in my 8-year-old's defense, it was most likely payback for stealing my Barbie's maxi dress!
I decided to send the letter from Ronald McDonald. As I began to write the letter to Abby and Will, I began to feel three parts undercover agent (good thing I watch Law & Order!) and one part clown. Whatever the feeling was, it felt so very good.
I wrote my letter to Abby and Will.
Dear Abby and Will,
In this box, you will find a magic meatball. I heard you didn’t have one, so I sent you the only one I have left.
You must share it; otherwise, it will lose all of its power. So take turns asking the meatball questions, don’t forget to brush your teeth every morning and night, and keep your rooms clean!
Have fun!
Love,
Ronald McDonald
Of course, thinking back on my own youth, I used my temporary clown state to Helen’s advantage. Actually, I felt like the Queen of Clowns, both funny and powerful; and, it doesn’t get any better that that! Regardless, we Moms need all the help we can get in the tooth brushing and room cleaning departments.
I found a box and decorated it appropriately.
I wrapped the meatball in tissue paper and announced its amazing powers.
I sent a copy of my letter to Helen. She responded with “I ♥ you.” It’s good to be hearted in general, but it’s even better to be “hearted” when you’re doing what you do best.
“By blood a king, in heart a clown.” ~Lord Tennyson
The best gifts are truly the ones you give of yourself, and I should really be in pictures, shouldn’t I?! Nah, I shouldn’t. But, after my brief clown stint, I do believe that someday my creative job will come, although I’m beginning to think that I’m going to have to invent it myself! ♥
2 comments:
You are the most astoundingly creative and super-cool mom! Hope that Nate and Iz know how lucky they are. <3
The Eagle has landed! They received The Meatball and, while I don't think they totally bought the "it's from Ronald" part, they were very excited to finally one and they each got to ask a question before going to bed tonight!
Thank you so much, Jean! You did a very special thing for my kiddos!!
You da bomb!
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