I was eight years old when President Nixon resigned from office. “Tricky Dick” was my first lesson that all men have a flaw.
Twenty years earlier in his career, Nixon got his tit in a ringer during the 1952 Presidential election when he was the Vice Presidential candidate.
He decided to give a speech that would defend his record to the nation. This was the first time in political history when the medium of television was used in a presidential campaign.
The event was eventually called “The Checkers Speech.” Named after the dog that was given to the Nixon children by a political contributor. Today’s Morning Chalkboard may someday be called the “Diamond Chalkboard” by the Shepkids.
Diamond is Hazel’s kitty cat and just before Thanksgiving, Hazel asked if she could bring Diamond to Riverside. I explained to her that the rules of my building clearly state, “No Pets.”
But like Richard Nixon, I caved in and said yes. The things parents do for their children.
Did I explain that I hate freaking cats?
The only cats that I like are Brutus and Titus, the lions that I often hear roaring in the distance from the zoo.
I told Hazel that it can only be a Thanksgiving visit because I didn’t like breaking rules.
Diamond showed up that first weekend. Hazel was at ease and it was the first time in many months that her anxiety was gone. Diamond also brought out a tender side of George. Something Fritz and Hazel have never seen in their big brother.
They are accustomed to their truculent sibling on the autistic spectrum, not this gentle giant who sprawls on the ground to pet this hairball visitor.
For me, this freaking cat that I first called Demon has become Diamond. She has been greeting me when I wake up by rubbing her head against my cankles. In return, I grab a little plate and pour a couple ounces of milk for Diamond.
She slurps it up and leaves little splatters from her whiskers on the floor around the plate. This has deemed me a “Good Cat Dad.” Something I have never aspired to be.
As the holidays approached, I told Hazel that we can sneak Diamond over until the weekend after the New Year and then visits become kids only again.
It has been nice to see a daughter without anxiety and a stoic son show tenderness. I will even miss pouring the early morning plate of milk for Diamond.
Yesterday when we arrived in Riverside, the landlord saw us bring Diamond into the building. She greeted me at the stairs and reminded me of the rules.
I hate getting reprimanded for stupid shit. Especially at fifty-eight years old. I’ve been getting yelled at since the Nixon administration and like Nixon, I consistently get my tit in a ringer.
The landlord did do me a favor and made it easier to end the Diamond visits. It’s tough for a dad to say no, especially when it was a positive experience for his kids.
But rules are rules and we must abide by them.
That is the lesson that I was able to show the Shepkids after the dust settled last night.
I thought today’s quote was perfect for the lesson learned. It comes from “Great Expectations” and my favorite character in the book, Joe Gargery.
It was Joe’s way of saying that life has many changes. We must often say goodbye to people or to experiences we come across. It is not easy, but if we can learn a lesson and grow from it, we will be stronger for the next opportunity life brings.
Diamond the Cat is visiting her Cat Dad for the last time this weekend. Diamond showed me a different side that my children possess and that was a pleasure.
But it is time to part ways.
It is a cold weekend in Chicagoland. Cold, not bitterly cold. Get out and breath the crispness of winter and enjoy the longer days ahead. Try and get out after sunset and look at the crescent moon and Venus set sail together towards the western horizon.
The sun has a Saturday smile and the day is perfect for astonishing events.
