Passing-Thought

2004 Hawaii Trip (day 4 & 5)

May 17th & 18th (Monday & Tuesday)

Both Monday and Tuesday were quite similar in character. Bill began his ritual early morning attack around 5 or 6am, which led me to initiate a pillow fight (one of my favorite forms of martial arts). He landed a few shots on me, but I felt that my reflexes were quicker and my blows were more strategically placed. I had the advantage of having the high-ground (standing on the bed) while he stood on the floor. Pillow fighting is much like other forms of martial arts. If you can get the right combination to the head, you can throw someone quite off balance. Of course, getting hit in the head is also quite aggravating. Sometimes your pillow can be snatched from your hand, but with a good block, you can obtain it back. Both of us were able to maintain our composure, smiling like we were unflinchingly under control. Eventually, we decided to cease fighting and lay back down to catch our breath.

But I wasn't about to believe that the fight was truly over. Bill is like the scorpion who stung the turtle who agreed to let him ride on his back to cross a river. If he can't win decisively, Bill would rather go down with a splash. That's his nature. So, as soon as Bill laid down at the foot of the bed, I decided to slip off the side of the bed just to be safe. Fortunately, the covers on the bed were left bundled up, giving the impression that I was still resting naively beneath them. But I had my eye on him.

Bill soon twisted himself into a low-crouch--an excellent position for stealth attack upon the bed. With a shout, Bill sprung upon the bed, striking a fatal blow to the empty comforter. Before Bill could assess the futility of his damage, I flanked him from the side of the bed with a super-combo to the head. Bill retreated from the room after a few meager return strikes, and I laid back down upon the bed, watching the door. Then, to my amazement, I noticed a 1.25 gal jug of Wesson Canola Oil hurled towards me. Thankfully, it landed on the bed next to my knee, barely scratching me. Somewhat crazed with unbelief, I sprung from the bed with the Canola oil and advanced towards Bill, who seemed a little worried about what I might do. But I kept my cool and ran past him calling him crazy and placed the Canola back in the kitchen.

Early Tuesday morning Bill issued a pillow attack while I lay in bed. But within a few seconds we were engaged in a wrestling match. Now, you must understand that in my day, I was a wrestler of rank. Bill knew this, but perhaps felt it was of little significance with his height and weight advantage. In no time, Bill was on his back, with his head dangling over the side of the bed in a half-nelson that led to a craddle. I let up a bit, in order to push Bill off the bed, but he regained footing, so I let him go. Stubbornly, he advanced again, so I posted myself in a ball, maintaining hand control, so that he would have to expend more energy than I. Realizing he wasn't getting anywhere, Bill gave up, saying, "I win!"

The rest of the day on Monday and Tuesday, I spent doing email, writing these stories, and uploading photos. It was somewhat overcast on Monday, so I didn't feel like getting out. Tuesday was a brighter day, but I still felt like there was much I could do inside. On both days Bill left me at home while he went out for a few job interviews. But Harlan's love bird Tweaty kept me company (IMG_6422). I'm not sure how much he really likes me, though, since he bites me when I try to pet him.

Tuesday evening we visited Gerald at his house, since he was taking off to be with family for his mother's final hours who was dying of cancer. Gerald recounted for me some of his memories growing up, when I asked where he grew up. Being a military kid, he had memories from several places. We prayed for each other, and especially that God might be glorified in her dying as He was in her living (she is a believer). Even though I just met Gerald a few days ago, I feel that I already know him. He reminds me so much of my friend Andy in his speech, humor, & personality (as well as looking a lot like another elder I know (Alan) from Abilene, TX). When I told Gerald that he reminds me of Andy, he said in good humor, "Well there's an interesting individual I must meet!"