My stream of consciousness essay. If you don’t get it then, well… Disclaimer: you might not get it.
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I sit here plastered in front of the TV. “Everyone quiet down, I have important news.” Jordin Sparks sounds pretty good singing the national anthem. She was on American Idol and now she’s performing on the most watched program on television. Over two million dollars for one thirty second commercial. Like that one episode of Home Improvement where Tim Allen’s commercial for plumbing service mistakenly airs during the Super Bowl. I was like seven when that show was on the air. Second grade was so much easier (outside of detention). “Scott, Andrea, and Isaac were involved in an accident in Colorado this morning.” The Patriots decide to kick. I hope their defense sucks tonight. We were supposed to make a scrapbook page for them to remember us. They are supposed to come back next week. We were supposed to have breakfast together. The Giants’ kick a field goal. They make it. I: Clap. Clap I was supposed to play with Isaac. Clap; Oh, I’m so alone. I pull the blanket closer to me. The blanket retains my body heat. It traps the fumes of anger and frustration with no place to escape. The thin sheet separates me. Oh, how safe and comforting it is. We gather and pray. How do I react? Should I close my eyes and start bawling or come off as insincere with my eyes open glancing at those people whose eyes are welling with tears? I’ll just stay true to my feelings pale and stoic. They cry. Why am I so emotionless? Is it that I’ve experienced such dismay before that I’ve become immune to caring? that I just don’t feel the warmth – is that just all I know? Second quarter.
“Come on, Patriots,” she exclaims. She knows no more football than I do, and I don’t even know that much. Linda needs to stay quiet. She’s the only on in this room who rooting for the Patriots. I know they are going to win. They’ve gone this entire season without a single loss. But I want the Giants to win. Patriots score a touchdown. My sister gets up and does a small jig revealing the unflattering parts that I seldom (ha) take chances to comment upon. Wow, I’m mean. It’s not like she deserves anything degrading like that from me. I’m too lazy to get out and do something more “worthwhile” or something like that I guess which means doing stuff around the house, but I never feel like it. The elders call out to God asking for grace upon this couple and their only son. “A selfish request, Lord, but one I must make known to you, O God.” This blanket beats anything else.
These commercials suck. Like three million dollars down the drain for advertising that has no affect on me. Halftime.
Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers play. “God, we don’t understand why you have done this horrible thing, Lord. But, we do understand that You will and are taking care of this I sleep.
“in whatever happens.”
“It’s the fourth quarter and the score is still the same!” I shout after waking up and glancing at the TV. The Super Bowl was going super slow. ly. Almost, good thing I caught myself there. I’m crouched, leaning against the blue wall that holds up no matter how much I press myself upon it. It doesn’t budge. It’s the closest thing near me that doesn’t judge me. Even the chairs and carpeted floor make a creaking sound. It’s an old church. I’m too young to experience all grieving and mourning emotions. Giants make a touchdown. I’m too young. It’s not fair to go and experience these shattering feelings that seem to do no good at all. Extra point. He’s only a little more than a year old. Giants 10-7. I’m not much more than seventeen. I wish I were him right now. I’m too young. Why am I complaining when he is only one? We have so much ahead of ourselves. I think. How will I react when I see them again? What am I supposed to say? What am I supposed to do? God, I am a torn boy right now,
Patriots score a touchdown.
in the middle of another crisis, in the midst of Your people. This is too hard to take. I know You say ‘do not worry’ and about how You don’t give me more than I can handle. Well, I’m telling you that I can’t handle this—I cannot bear this all. Extra point. I clench the blanket and hold it closer. Lord, I question You right now. And that’s how I feel right now its Patriots 14-10 and Giants now have possession.
“Go Patriots.” Is she not aware of me right now? They are more useful to You than I am to anyone, take me instead. Giants advance down the field, Tyree completing the pass by means of a leaping miracle. Uplifting. “Lord, we lift Scott, Andrea and Isaac to You, Lord. Thy will be done Giants touchdown. Extra point. “on earth as it is in heaven.” So did the Giants touchdown in heaven? “Come, Patriots, put up some ‘D.’ ” Never thought I’d hear that out of my sister. I selfishly pray protect them and heal them. Time 0:01, 17-14, Giants take a knee. They win. I jump up and let go of the draped blanket that followed the shape of my body and it falls upon itself. I shout, God, heal me.