Laffy Taffy

I want them to know the joy of Laffy Taffy!

WOW!  This week has flown by.  Hard to believe the week is over and we are heading home.  It has been an absolute delight to have an entire week to spend doing whatever we wanted to.  It's hard to believe my parents started a tradition over 31 years ago that included our entire family seaside at the same location to enjoy each other and God's creation.  This year has been a little different because the house we have rented all these years is currently being remodeled.  I know this doesn't sound like a big deal, but it changed our traditional vacation entirely.  We are in a new city.  In a different house. My brother and his family are not here and neither are my sister and her family.  My parents are out of state enjoying cooler weather.  To top it off you can't see the beach from the balcony.  In fact, there is no balcony.  The home we are staying in is beautiful and it is centrally located to so many amenities.  3 miles from the beach, 4 miles from the outlet shopping center, a theater within walking distance, and eating establishments on every corner.  Believe me when I say, I am not complaining.  It is just different this year.  My longing for tradition has once again shown to be a powerful drive in my life over this last week.  For some odd reason I want my kids to experience all of the same "good times" I have had over the years.  This was never more evident than yesterday as we were shopping at a local market.  This market started out as a fruit stand.  Now however, in addition to fruit and vegetables they sale candy, ice cream, canned items like pickled okra, jams, jellies, kitchen items, baked goods, and old fashion toys.  It is one of my favorite places to visit while we are in the area.  As we were walking though I heard a child talking with her mom.  It went something like this..."Mom, mom.  Can I buy this?"  "No sweetheart.  You have already spent all of your money" her mother replied.  "But Mom I think I have to have it.  I really do.  I HAVE to have it" was the little girls plea.  "Sweetheart," her mother said, "you don't HAVE to have it.  You want it.  There is a difference." The child's voice now climbed an octave as anxiety set in.  I had to see what the little girl HAD to have.  As I peeked around the corner I heard her exclaim, "No mom...listen to me please.  I have to have this.  Please if you buy this for me then I won't ask for anything for the rest of the day.  Please!"  As she came into full view I noticed two things.  The precious face of a  6-year-old facing the possibility that she would not get what she wanted, which by her own definition, she had to have.  My eyes lit up as I recognized the desired prize.  "Honey, why do you HAVE to have it?" her mom asked.  "Because" she said, "It is Laffy Taffy and I need to laugh today.  I might be sad without it."  Laffy Taffy!  For those who don't know what this is...it is salt water taffy.  Not the kind that is sold in bite size chunks.  This taffy is special because they roll it out, much like a sheet of paper.  It is about 4 inches wide and 8 inches long.  It doesn't taste any different, but is more fun to eat than normal taffy.  When I was a kid this was the one candy I "had to have" when we traveled to the beach.  There are so many memories tied to even the mention of the name.  Long days spent playing in the sand and water with my family.  The little girl was right...this was a must have item.  I am not sure of the outcome of the conversation but I hope for her sake her mother took pity on her need to be happy and bought it for her.  As we were driving home I got to thinking.  A lot of what I do for my family is rooted in the idea that I want them to have some of the same great experiences that I have had.  Whether it is Sunday supper, vacations by the beach, Christmas craziness, or homemade ice cream on a hot afternoon, they are all driven by my desires for my family to share in some of the things that made me the happiest as a child.  There is only one thing wrong with this idea.  The world is not the same.  The world we live in today doesn't allow for some of the simple things to be some of the most enjoyable ones.  It doesn't allow for the comfort of knowing your children can play outside unattended for hours and the only thing you need to worry about is them fighting amongst themselves.  The world has changed and will continue to change.  We will have to live more guarded to live "safe" lives.  We will have to work at making simple things special and special things priceless.  What was designed by God to be a "walk in the park" is now more like working in the fields.  So where is the joy in the present state?  It is where it has always been.  It is in the laughter of an elderly woman who has lived life and laughs anyway.  It is in the smile of a loved one who has found peace.  It is in the hug of a friend who cares deeply for you not out of "have to," but because they want to.  It is in a memory brought on by a piece of candy.  Laffy Taffy?  I think I need a piece!