You decided.
You graduated high school – you turned 18 – you registered for the draft – you got your notice – life is too short – You’re going to have your best Christmas ever.
Your parents haven’t been big on holidays, not since you were ten – it was the Revell HO gauge train set and a box of socks – the tree went from Boy Scouts Fir to Zody’s Aluminum, complete with color wheel.
Road trip this year – San Francisco – a carload of you – girlfriend – soulmate since 11th grade. Her Mom breathed a sigh of relief and helped her pack.
Love this time. It’s what happens when you get older – love and you mean it. She knows this might be the last one. Next time maybe a buzz cut and a uniform – she may have found a better soulmate, a different soulmate. Nobody stays in love forever anymore. World is huge and new soulmates are everywhere and yeah, life is short. You both sigh and warm each other’s hearts.
You’re here now and it’s Christmas everywhere – and you’re happy – none of you can stop laughing. You’re here now and it’s great – it’s the best – and this place – this minute – pressing hands and flesh and sharing breath. You’re here now and nothing else comes close – it wouldn’t want to anyway. Group hug – wandering around Ghirardelli Square singing Christmas carols – so what if none of you can find the right note – you’ve got the right spirit and that’s all that matters. Strangers join you and a scruffy choir forms.
And you know you’re going to remember this moment for the rest of your life because that’s all that counts. It will count even when newer moments are better – but this was the first one – this was the one where it all fell into place – it all made sense.
And tucked behind the soft glow of your car radio, KYA is on and Pete McNeal is there – it’s December 23, 1969.
Happiest of all possible holidays from Past Daily – We’re here – we’re still standing – we still gotta lotta work to do.
Big hug to you all. And to all, a good night.
