Uncle Albert and spoonfuls of sugar

The past few days have been surreal.  All three of us have commented of how dreamlike this all seems, particularly driving home from the cemetery, we wondered truly did we just bury our father, husband and friend?  During that hour drive home,  I speculated to myself what would be my waking thoughts the next morning.  To my surprise, I awoke to visions of  the "Mary Poppins" movie.  That is correct, the umbrella traveling, magic carpet bag carrying, "practically perfect" nanny and her comrades.

I was perplexed initially, supposing that I had crossed the line from the sane to insanity, for I always felt  that was a fine line of distinction.  But upon further reflection, I conclude that it was appropriate that the day after Scott's funeral that the film "Mary Poppins" would be at the forefront of my rumination.  After all, "Mary Poppins" was a very big part of our lives for awhile.

Here, I admit to using the VCR as a babysitter just a few times when Hayden was young, not yet 3.  Okay, perhaps more than a few times because Hayden was fascinated with this movie to the point of wanting to become Bert.  We would find him walking funny around the house with his pants pulled down to his knees.  I know, one can state the obvious at this point ... like father, like son.  A few of you may have had the unfortunate experience of seeing Scott with his pants dropped to his knees also. (The poor Stanger family has had more than their fair share.) Harman men!  But, unlike Scott, Hayden was doing this deliberately for each time we pulled them up to their proper position, he would pull them back down and begin his particular walk.  Finally, we asked him one day what was he doing with this antic and he replied that he was Bert.  The Bert who pulled his pants down to his knees to dance with the penguins in the "Jolly Holiday" song.

Hayden's obsession did not stop there.  It was Halloween time and when we inquired what Hayden would like to dress up as, he without any hesitation, replied that he wanted to be Bert.  Well,  Bert is a decent enough role model....he is funny, he can sing and dance, he is resourceful (think about how many jobs Bert has in the movie), he is helpful  and he certainly has charisma but where in the world would I be able to find a Bert costume for a three year old?  I decided that the easiest Bert to portray was the chimney sweep Bert.  With black pants and jacket,  a red scarf around his neck, his face smeared with "soot",  head donned with a cap and a "chimney sweep" broom  in hand, Hayden went door to door seeking candy and doing a little dance each time.... Chim-chiminey, chim-chiminey,  chim chim cher-ee!

So, Mary Poppins and the Harmans have a history.  But, the scene that I awoke to Friday morning was when Mary, Bert and the kids go and try to help Uncle Albert out of his predicament.  If you remember, Uncle Albert had the challenge of floating  upwards when he thought of funny things and got to laughing too hard.   "I love to Laugh, Loud and long and clear, I love to laugh, It's getting worse every year..."   Perhaps, I see a bit of Scott in Uncle Albert's character, always looking for the humor and light side of life.  Anyway, his rescuers find him at the top of his ceiling and he is soon joined by the others who can not resist.  All except Mary, who remains on ground and frustrated at their folly.  Soon, unable to get them down, she brings their tea to them but when it is time for them to get going she tells them to start thinking of sad things and they will be able to come down.  At this point, I acutely remember, feeling their pain of having to come down from the levity that kept them afloat.  Who really wants to intentionally think of sad things?

As I descend from the adrenaline rush that has kept me numbed and "afloat",  I do feel a bit more of the  reality of Scott's passing with each day.  Although, I may have hit solid ground now, I know that I will not decline any further because of the "Spoonfuls of Sugar" I keep being administered.  So abundant and frequent are these spoonfuls of  sugar that I know my level of gratitude may be dangerously high.
May I give a partial list here of these spoonfuls:

-Friends and family that would donate so much of their time on Thanksgiving evening to set up a wonderful and fitting display of Scott's life- The tie idea was not mine but the credit needs to be given to Kathe Smithson.  Thank you!

-Everyone who would take time out of the day after Thanksgiving, even on a Black Friday, and come and be with us.  We are thankful to you each!

-Friends and family that travelled from a far (some all night and early morning) to be with us for Scott's celebration.  We are touched!

-The fun and inspiring stories shared about Scott's influence on your lives.  Treasures!

-All the behind the scenes work of setting up chairs and tables and providing, serving and cleaning up after a delicious meal that strengthened.  We do not even know all the names to which we are indebted. But we thank you for your contribution!

-The winks, hugs  and smiles of love, giving us confidence, as we passed you by, walking  behind the casket. Appreciated!

-All the help in making Scott's celebration so memorable.  The music was a perfect tribute- The arrangement of "A Poor Wayfaring Man" was excellent.  Thanks to the Maloneys, Scott even got to have his wish of a bagpiper playing at his graveside. The words  and prayers spoken gave hope to our hearts and will linger lovingly always. Thank  you John, Scott M, Scott H, Morgan and Bishop.  For all these spoonfuls we are truly and eternally indebted!

There is more. Oh, so much more...

Mary Poppins was right, a spoonful of sugar does help the medicine down.....in the most delightful way.