One of my favorite childhood memories was sitting at the kitchen table before church and reading “Peanuts”. Initially my mom did the reading and I looked at the cartoon. As I got older, I could find out myself how Charlie Brown and the team were doing. Would Snoopy defeat the Red Baron? What psychiatric advice would Lucy dispense for a nickel? Good Grief!!!! Would Charlie ever kick that football?
When my own children reached an early age, we renewed the “Peanuts” ritual on Sunday mornings. With her Halloween Birthday, Janet’s favorite quickly became the tales of the Great Pumpkin. But she was also attracted to any sports activity; Charlie’s baseball team, Snoopy and Woodstock playing hockey or Charlie and Lucy with the football. Jim was more interested in Schroeder’s piano skills or Snoopy’s writing skills. He also seemed to relate to Linus and his blanket (even though we never understood the connection).
Adult “Peanuts” fans usually see subtle messages in the long running comic strip. Charles Schultz has a wonderful talent to deliver a message without hitting you over the head. When you see “Peanuts” on a refrigerator door you know it means something and are drawn to stop and read. The strip taught us to see the world through the curiosity of a child. Charlie was always concerned about people listening to him, showing his basic insecurity, but he never stopped trying. We knew he was never going to kick the football, but that doesn’t mean he shouldn’t keep trying. Peppermint Patty always got shot down, but she kept raising her hand. Clearly Schroeder can’t play those tunes on that piano, and yet he does.
For me it was very sad when the last original “Peanuts” was published on February 13. We’ll miss you, Charlie Brown.
But Charlie Brown and the team will live on. Despite all the disappointments from the pitcher’s mound, Charlie and the team are head to Cooperstown in an exhibit called “ You’re in the Hall of Fame, Charlie Brown!” The exhibit is scheduled to open on May 20 and run through the remainder of the year. It looks like an opportunity for a “road trip”. I hope I can convince Janet and Jim to join me.
Sincerely,
Harry Gribnitz
Your Home Loan Specialist for Life
PS: Please help keep my business 100% referral by continuing to refer friends, relatives and co-workers that might need our help.
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