The parson was trimming some shrubs bordering the church. A sudden burst of spring weather had invited the activity. His concentration was interrupted.
“Hi, Parson,” called Horace James, a familiar ten-year-old at the church. The parson had learned early that Horace was not Horace. And he was not James. Horace James was Horace James.
“Hello, Horace James,” the parson called back as the boy came closer.
“I like those clippers, Parson,” Horace James observed. “They’re electric.”
“They are Horace James,” the parson responded. “I just bought them.”
“Wish we had some electric clippers at my house,” said Horace James. “Those ‘lectric things ain’t as heavy as our gas clippers.”
The parson acknowledged the wisdom of Horace James, then asked, “What brings you to the church this afternoon?”
“My Mom and Ginger’s are working on something about Peru. Do you know if Ginger is here?”
“No, she’s not.” the parson said. “I think she had a lot of homework to do.”
“Oh,” Horace James said with obvious disappointment in his voice. Following a short pause, he added, “You’re doing a really good job, Parson.’
“Thank you, Horace James; that’s a nice compliment.”
Horace James stood, hands tucked into his back pocket with his feet spread apart, watching the parson’s progress.
It was at least five minutes before Horace James made another sound. When he did it was a question.
“So, how’s Lent going for you, Parson?”
The parson was taken by this question. “My Lent is going great, Horace James. How’s yours?”
“My Lent is terrific, so far, Parson. Really great. You know how you deny yourself during lent? Well, I’m giving up Bobby Russell for Lent.”
The parson put down his clippers and gave Horace James his full attention. “You gave up Bobby Russell for Lent? Who’s Bobby Russell?”
Horace James smiled. “You know how I’m always getting in trouble? I figured out that everytime I got into trouble I was with Bobby Russell. He’s a friend of mine from school. So, I decided to give up Bobby Russell for Lent. And, you know what?”
“What?”
“I haven’t gotten into trouble since that day you put that stuff on my head.”
“That terrific, Horace James. Lent really seems to be working for you.”
“Yep, it is.”
“Tell me something, Horace James. What does Bobby Russell think about you giving him up for Lent?”
“He thinks it’s a good idea. He decided to give me up for Lent. It’s working for him, too.”
My son had his own "Bobby Russell" in grade school.
Posted by: Linda | March 10, 2009 at 05:02 PM