The Second Day of Christmas

Self,
The song I share;
The Twelve Days of Christmas.
I know that since this is the song that inspired this series it probably should have been first, but the other song fit that position even better.

The group in this clip is called Straight No Chaser. I've heard the name before (somewhere) but never seen or heard them perform until I found this clip. LOL and although they butchered the song in the traditional sense, what they do here is just short of amazing. Extremely talented group of guys. LOL and I'll add very handsome.

In the "My Favorite Things" entry of this series, I mentioned the fact that when I was younger I was jealous of the narrator of this carol for getting twelve days worth of gifts. I understand that was childish greed and I grew out of it (lol I think.)

As an adult, particularly at 31, the significaonce of the song isn't all the gifts the person is recieving, but rather who is giving them. To be fortunate enough to have found one's "true love" is a blessing at any time of the year. (I'm still waiting on that part.) Imagine loving and being loved by someone who is devoted enough to commit themselves to put a smile on their loved one's face everyday for twelve straight days and to make each smile bigger and brighter than the day before. (You gotta know 12 drummers drumming produced a bigger smile that the two turtle doves, right? Lol but maybe not as big of a smile as the five gold rings.)

I know the song waivers on the side of the ideal a bit more than the real but I KNOW the sentiment does really exist. I see it all the time through my grandparents, (my parents too but let's stay focused.) My grandparents are in their early 80's and have been married for 67 years as of Novemeber 26, 2008. That math basically breaks down to the fact that they have been "kicking it" together nearly three times longer than they have had lives as individuals seperately. That's dedication, commitment. That's love.
In that time they have worked to make a life together, moving from Tennessee to Detroit and finally to Los Angeles. They have raised and nurtured four children, six grandchildren and so far two great-grandkids. And they can still make each other laugh on occassion.

It's funny and rather sweet/charming to me to watch my grandma fuss (yes sometimes there's some cussing too,) at my grandfather for having forgotten to buy an item from the grocery store, then turn and ask him, "want me to fix you something to eat?" It's only been within the last 10-15 years that my grandfather has developed enough domestic skills to boil a hot dog - which meant if she don't cook, he don't eat. So to be upset at someone and still think about their well being. Man, again that's Love.

That's what I want. That's what I know I DESERVE. I may not have it now, but I know it is out there. I know that who ever my mate may be, it will be our blessing to share, rather it is "for five minutes... or 50 years*" and that as long as it is truly sincere, every day of that love will feel like an eternity.

Love,
Pharaoh

* thats a quote from "Last Holiday" staring hiphop royalty members, Queen Latifah and LL Cool J. One of my favorite movies.