Love from: Ed & Jan
We first met Lauren about thirty-seven years ago. To borrow from Jimmy Buffet, Lauren was impressive, young and aggressive, saving the world on his own. We had little idea of what Lauren actually did and now, thirty-seven years later, we have no better idea. Still, we quickly learned Lauren had a network of equally impressive friends and associates. There was an aura of importance about him. Sadly, however, he had been introduced to a family with more interest in one's foibles than their importance. Karen and her family enjoyed the accidents, the discomfort, and the temporary lack of coordination suffered by others. We loved Lauren and he was immediately welcomed and incorporated into our world--a world with which he was not quite familiar.
Our daughter, Jill, was about four years old when she met and studied Lauren. When she heard Karen was coming for another visit, she wanted to know if "ol' can't blow a bubble" was coming as well. Focus soon moved on to a deeper analysis and his lack of the somersault gene.
From this beginning, Lauren began to provide a seemingly endless parade of incidents to entertain Karen and her family. There was the Dance, Dance Revolution performance that provided uncontrollable laughter, countless Karaoke episodes when we wondered if he saw a connection between the words on the screen, the music, and what he was doing; the incident with the boat captained by his brother-in-law and his sudden urge to swim; the incident with the other boat; the munchies in Amsterdam; falling asleep before the early bird special; and being overly cheerful too early in the morning.
As time passed, Lauren demonstrated a very strong self-image and seemed to enjoy the use of self-deprecating humor. It was not as entertaining as when it all seemed simply naturally Lauren. He was and continues to be a great sport and puts up with far more than most people could bear. Karen has used him as a model for painting, sculpting, demonstrations, and so many things we never get to see.
Lauren has allowed even difficult moments to be used for fun. Who can forget his terrible bout of vertigo on the air plane? None of us; because Karen recorded it for all to enjoy. There was the time on the bike, the time on the horse, the time on the boat (a different one), the time he wasn't doing anything. Karen has dressed him up and messed him up. But, Lauren has always been there for Karen--the rest of us too--but it is hard to imagine Karen without the man she lovingly tortures.
Even though we still have no idea what Lauren does, we all know what he does for Karen and we know she appreciates him more than any other person or thing. Karen's family knows now just how important Lauren is. We are still not impressed he has the Secretary of State on speed-dial but we are overwhelmed by the way he has cared for his wife/best friend/soul mate. So, ol' can't blow a bubble still can't do a somersault but he is still willing to try when Karen needs to laugh. He is important and he is impressive and we all feel lucky to have him in our lives.
Ed & Jan Cadenhead
