Lucky Day

Luck is a matter of perspective. On March 17, 2009, St. Patrick's Day was celebrated in the Groendyke home. While Noah was at school enjoying the festivities, Larry the Leprechaun was placing green clover clues, hiding gold coins for a treasure hunt and trying to whip up a traditional Irish Dinner.  Noah was so thrilled that Larry would take such effort and care to make an extra special trip to his home. His eyes were alive and bright as he sought out his gold. At dinner it was decided that grateful Noah would share the Irish Dish with Larry. Noah prepared a plate, set out salt and pepper, a glass of water and his green Teddy Bear. He didn't miss a detail.

What exactly transpired remains a mystery, but Rick left the room. Noah and his mom were watching tv. All of the sudden there was noise and a strange fluttery object that grabbed at the food and pulled it through the cat door. There was some screaming, barking, screaming, and more screaming. When Noah flipped on the light, he noticed that the food was gone and so was his bear!!! Noah was beyond excited and he even commented that his knees were still shaking. That was a thrill for the onlookers to observe.

The lights went out and Rick excused himself to the bathroom. Again, a strange knock, screams, barks and all kinds of commotion enveloped the family room. Noah appeared to be more nervous than excited with each visit. When Noah was asked to go brush his teeth and put on pajamas, there was such resistance and fear. The poor child had been terrorized by Larry. What started out in fun, came back to bite Larry in the you know whatta.

Rick went as Noah's bodyguard to put on pajamas. Larry had to think fast. After all this had spiraled out of control, he had to convince Noah that Larry really was a "good guy."He left a note:Dear Noah, I am sorry if I frightened you. I was so grateful for the food that you left me. Then I heard your big dog bark and I thought he was going to eat me!!! I scattered about while trying to get this message to you. I hope you had a Happy St. Patrick's Day. I'm off to Ireland. I will come visit next St. Patrick's Day. Your Friend Larry.

To this day, Noah brings up Larry and tells everyone that he saw the Leprechaun's shadow.   Sometimes he gets frightened that Larry will pop up somewhere and then he's reminded--Larry went back to Ireland.

The next day, Noah's mom went to get something out of her purse. She had left it in the car, in the garage. She was bringing in the groceries and then forgot about it. The purse was gone. This is the second time in just a couple of months that this tragedy has struck. The first thought--could a person be that UNLUCKY to have just her purse taken from the vehicle. Nothing else was missing and some valuable things were left. Noah shouted, "Maybe Larry the Leprechaun took it." Poor Larry--the terrorizing theif--just kidding. Here's where the perspective comes into play:It was LUCKY that Noah's parents were able to witness pure childlike joy. It was UNLUCKY that they carried things a bit too far and ended up having to reassure Noah that he would be safe. It was absolutely UNLUCKY that Noah's Mom had her purse removed from the car, but super LUCKY that she was in too much of a hurry to put her camera, phone, wallet, and planner back in her purse (those items were carried into the house in grocery sacks) and it was LUCKY that nothing else was stolen. Noah was LUCKY for the extra attention and treaures. Larry on the other hand was not so LUCKY to be in the wrong place at the right time (suspect and nearly Da Vinci's dinner) although he was LUCKY to be served a wonderful meal by Noah.

Most LUCKY of all is to belong to an eternal family and to have such an enthusiastic child to keep the magic alive in the Groendyke home. Top of the Morning to You!!

What I learned from Noah: An imagination is not just for children...RICK! Also that life is about all the LUCKY and UNLUCKY moments wrapped into one...it is what develops character.