Cacao Bean . . And The Unrelenting March Into Obscurity

I was walking home from my fourth grade class at Waianae Elementary School, along Farrington Hwy, kicking some gravel to keep me interested with my best friend, Paul Christensen.  He was a likeable guy, not like me.  I was still in my ‘wise guy’ stage before I emerged, full bloom, into confused adolescence.

I reached into my pocket and found a bean that I had picked up on the beach and gave it to Paul.  I said it was a cacao bean since we were reading about cacao plants in South America.  I had no idea if it was a cacao bean or a jelly bean, but I was happy to give it to my new friend.

The next day in class, Paul was chosen for show and tell.   Well, unfortunately, he shared the wannabe cacao bean.  I was mortified.  I raised my hand and apologized to Paul and the class.

He was embarassed, but in a few seconds he, and everyone else, moved on.  I was still mortified. 

But, Paul was still my friend.   And, everyone just moved on.

This is why I don’t understand the Republican party. . . . and, their unrelenting march into obscurity.