I have a theory. YOU ARE WHO YOU WERE IN YOUR PLAYPEN. That is, whatever traits and characteristics you have today, you had, seriously, in your playpen. That’s like, one to two years old, give or take.

I have tested my theory on many, including my wife. Just like she was in her playpen in 1950s Topeka KS, Deborah is a quiet observer. With three older siblings – all voracious, vocal overachievers – she chose to not compete. To stay quiet and observe. Not in a shallow way, just taking it all in. I can picture her standing in her playpen, just watching the madness around her. To this day, she is the same way. Quietly, calmly observing the crazy world out there – and her Type-A husband’s crazy adventures.

My three boys, including twins, are also the same today as they were in their playpens. Sheesh.

My late grandfather in Montreal was the source of my original, totally unscientific Playpen Theory. When I was a teenager, he told me point blank, I was his favourite grandchild of six. It’s like he wanted to give me a little First Place trophy or something.

He shared a memory, watching me as I stood in my playpen, holding onto the rails. I had a loose diaper and poop was rolling down my leg. He told me I was laughing hysterically. Apparently, I believed that poop running down my leg was the funniest thing ever. Maybe it felt funny.

And anyone who knows me well today, sees the same guy. My mother once said, “Greg, you think life is a bowl of cherries all the time”

And now, at 67, now standing in my twilight Playpen of Life, I agree with my mum.

I am curious. Are YOU, the reader, the same now as you were in your Playpen? Send me a quick email and let me know. –Cheers, everyone!

A la prochaine,

Greg Meakin
Arizona City, AZ
gregmeakin2020@gmail.com

.