Genetic Happy Feet

At my brother's funeral, people noted how the guy was happy every day. Tim never got to meet "the Bear", so I've always tried to describe to Tim how fun he was to be around, and how he could make anyone laugh. At his funeral, many people noted Barry's distinct walk. He always had an extra bounce in his step, and so it was said "even his walk was a happy one".

When Barry wasn't laughing, he was planning for the next crack up. Many times, he'd take me to the canned food aisle in a grocery store, where he'd prey upon innocent shoppers bending over for the bottom shelved cans of vegetables. When they'd bend over, he'd make a loud fart noise. Every time, the person would bounce up immediately and look for the source of the noise. Then, Barry would shake his head at the person with a disgusted look on his face.

I miss The Bear terribly. Every time I laugh, I picture him laughing with me. I was over joyed with each pregnancy to hear I was having boys. So I've always looked for Barry's characteristics in my sons.

When Tann was about 9 months, I could see he was an instigator. He loved to laugh at an above average level. It has gotten him into trouble, too many times. Also he's only two, so his walk is a bit goofy too. I thought it was because I was comparing his two year-old walk to Hunter's four year-old walk.

Then the other day when I was picking up Tanner from his Baby Class (Monday and Tuesday mornings), the teacher held me after. She is from India, with a heavy accent and filled with love for these foreign kids.

Editor's note, I know you don't love this accent when you call 1-800-Hewlett-Packard, but you'll love it in her description of Tanner:

"Tanner has never cried here, it is rather unusual. He is a happy boy. But the really funny thing about him is his walk. He hops when he walks. Have you noticed that? He is so happy, even in his walk; it's like he's hopping. Sometimes he gets so happy, he can hardly walk straight, and just falls over in laughter. It's really interesting!" she said shaking her head, her flat lips then surrendering into a smile.

Long ago, I tried describing Barry's walk to Tim, how his heals never quite touched the floor. I don't think he got it. But now I can show it to him in Tanner. And while I miss my Bear, I'm so glad I have clear reminders of him in my little boys. I hope and pray they grow up to be so happy as their noble uncle Barry.

Maybe I'll take them to buy canned food today...