The Childhood CLAW

 On Christmas Eve, after Dad was defeated at 99 (a card game), he quietly retreated to the living room where all of Will’s Birthday and Christmas toys were strewn about.  He located a lighted, electronic drawing pad.  Blaine had been doodling on it earlier and I assumed my dad was adding his two cents to the “high” art.  Upon discovering my father lost in creative wonder and thought I inquired, “What are you drawing?”  He said, “Oh, I don’t know? What should I draw?”

Chad’s ears perked up from the kitchen and he exclaimed, “Oh dad, you have to draw the craggy claw coming up out of the swampy mire!” (Maybe not those exact words, but something to that nature.) I whole heartedly agreed that our father positively had to draw the strange and sinister claw from our childhood!

I do not know how many times dad has freehanded this creepy sketch.  I am positive he has drawn it on the backs of countless Sacrament Meeting programs, in coloring books, and on the arms of (I’m sure) each and every one of his own children. I know the drawing graced my right shoulder more than once.  We love you Dad!