After watching the news this morning, I thought how wonderful it is to have today. It is so beautiful outside, and the miracle of now is here. Some of the news was tragic, and it made me think about  the glory of these 18 waking hours or so that are meant to be lived well no matter what the parameters of life might be. Which reminded me that a day can surprise you.  Since the houses are far apart out here in the country, sometimes we can only hear the neighbors faintly. But for several years through the pine grove, we heard a screaming kid yelling as if  no one could hear him past his  fence line. You could tell that he just enjoyed the living daylights out of screaming like he was hurt.  But when I drove by I could never see him. He probably felt like he was the only one in the world walking the pasture, playing, and doing chores. Finally, even though he was a little younger he became a family friend. At first, he transferred his wild antics to the yard, but time calmed him down. Someone was actually paying attention to this kid now. The dramatic voices he can produce are amazing, and he brought something special from across the way since last summer…laughter. He makes me laugh. “Kid do you like chocolate chip cookies?” I said planning to keep the comedian here as long as possible. “No ma’am, I don’t like chocolate that much,” he said. Rats, I had to move to plan B.  As it turned out he loved iced tea, and for some reason he thinks my tea is the best in the world so out came the pot and tea pitcher. Keep the tea  in the pantry; we found laughter out here in the wilderness.  So, he and my son are good friends now. A lot of tea has been made, and last night was no exception. I heard a complaint about being tired of Dr. Pepper.  Hint…tea it is then! What animation, this kid should be  an actor!  He was so happy! So happy that he forgot himself.  ”I hope you don’t die. I sure like that tea,” said the less wild creature that we now call a friend. He realized his mistake, and mumbled something. I laughed until…well I am still laughing. Instead of a paper route, he has an egg route. A four-wheeler, some chickens, willingness to work, and the kid has a tiny thriving business. They have another friend in the mix now. Last night, they four-wheeled themselves down the back dusty roads to the local hamburger joint by the highway. It seems like everything here is nestled up against the forest of pines. I watched them drive off, and I thought how they would look back, and remember these simple days as great days.  And every day is precious no matter what stage of life.  I’ll keep the tea pitcher full. Laughter and friends are always good to have around. Who wants to live without them? Don’t worry kid. I plan on being around awhile.