How Sweet it Is

 

This week’s blog is a very edited version of a much longer article that was bought (yes, money exchanged hands) by the Houston Chronicle in 2005.

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“I hope you understand that while we want you to have a good time at the concert, public displays of affection are not appropriate at your age. We trust you to show respect for yourself and those around you.” 

After the discussion ended, and we were alone, I reached for Martin’s hand.

“How do you think it went?” I asked, concern in my voice.

“Well, the ‘public display of affection’ speech was pointless. This is an outdoor concert under the stars where most people will be lying on blankets on the hillside.”

“Too much temptation, I suppose.”

“You got that right. If I want to make out with my wife, I will.”

We were going to the James Taylor Concert.

We had known for weeks that someone better than Santa was coming to town. Even those of us who go to bed at 9:00 pm and who don’t subscribe to “Rolling Stone Magazine” knew that JT was going to be in concert in Houston.

“Mom and Dad, although you are too cheap to buy the tickets for yourselves, we think this is a great opportunity to take care of those Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, and anniversary gifts all at once. We pooled our money and bought two tickets to the James Taylor Concert.”

We were stunned at their thoughtfulness. We were overjoyed at the prospect of attending the concert. We were amazed they had that much money between them.

It had been years since we had been to any concerts other than school choirs or band presentations. And being a planner at heart, I began organizing the details of our adventure.

First, of course, is the babysitter. For parents, that is always a consideration when planning an evening out. Oh, wait, our kids are grown. Moving on…

Although I haven’t been to a lot of concerts, I know that the audience waves lighters to signify their appreciation of the music. We don’t smoke, but we could bring the Statue of Liberty lighter our daughter brought us from New York. And we have the Scripto lighter we use when we bar-b-que. Or I suppose we should just stop at a convenience store and invest in a couple of Bics to click.

The big question is how to smuggle in controlled substances. Contraband at a concert is nothing new…in fact, it is almost expected. And we aren’t above bringing in a little something to enhance the experience. The packet is small, and unless they search, they won’t know I have the M&M’s until I’ve already eaten myself into a diabetic coma.

I have a great life. All those years of watching Sesame Street, joining Band Boosters, and staying up all night working on science projects have paid off. My children have their priorities straight. They didn’t buy us kitchen appliances or magazine subscriptions - they bought us tickets to the James Taylor Concert.

I hope lying on the ground doesn’t throw out my back.