A few years ago, my Mother found some old family video recordings that were on a VCR tape. The gap was about 30 years, which meant that I was about 10 years old at the time. I arranged to visit her one day, and, unbeknownst to me, she set it up to have it running as I walked in the door. I immediately rushed over and stopped the tape with the urgency one has to snuff a kitchen fire.
Some people want the past to stay in the past. But that’s just me.
Really? Seriously, would anybody out there, if you found an old video of home movies featuring a close friend’s late wife and son, wrap it up and hand it to them with a “Merry Christmas” and no context or emotional preparation? I personally don’t feel it works dramatically or in real life, but tell me if you think it’s a good idea.
It’s moving, because over the years, we’ve all come to know these characters so well. Ralph, the Dale Evans customer; Little Timmy, who maybe got rescued from a well; and [WOMAN WHO WE ASSUME IS SOMEBODY]; and, of course, sweet Zanzibar.
Your mother meant well and you ruined it, and in a mean way. Shame on you! She probably thought it would be a treat for you. It would have been for me.
Ed, while returning to Ralph some oh his families memories is nice. Why disguise it as a present? How is Ralph going to play it back? It’s unlikely he has a video tape player. And, how did Raplh’s tape end up in Ed’s attic?
wherescrankshaft 13 days ago
A few years ago, my Mother found some old family video recordings that were on a VCR tape. The gap was about 30 years, which meant that I was about 10 years old at the time. I arranged to visit her one day, and, unbeknownst to me, she set it up to have it running as I walked in the door. I immediately rushed over and stopped the tape with the urgency one has to snuff a kitchen fire.
Some people want the past to stay in the past. But that’s just me.
How do you feel about your past?
J.J. O'Malley 13 days ago
Really? Seriously, would anybody out there, if you found an old video of home movies featuring a close friend’s late wife and son, wrap it up and hand it to them with a “Merry Christmas” and no context or emotional preparation? I personally don’t feel it works dramatically or in real life, but tell me if you think it’s a good idea.
billsplut 13 days ago
It’s moving, because over the years, we’ve all come to know these characters so well. Ralph, the Dale Evans customer; Little Timmy, who maybe got rescued from a well; and [WOMAN WHO WE ASSUME IS SOMEBODY]; and, of course, sweet Zanzibar.
top cat james 13 days ago
No, Ralphie Boy isn’t just now decorating his tree—He started after Thanksgiving.
Bill Thompson 13 days ago
“By the way, I drove here in my bus and knocked down your mailbox. So, Happy New Year, too!”
Fetzee 13 days ago
Crankshaft is happy bc he didn’t have to pay for that gift
French Persons' Celebration of Peeved Harry Dinkle Premium Member 13 days ago
“Ah, so YOU have my copy of ‘Groping Grandpas’! Thanks Ed!”
lemonbaskt 13 days ago
where a hat ralph that combover is terrible
rockyridge1977 13 days ago
…..it is the thought that counts!!!
DawnQuinn1 13 days ago
Without my past, I would not be who I am.
tcayer 13 days ago
“Here’s something to break your heart, assuming you can find 30-year old tech to watch it on!”
grozar 13 days ago
Ralf falls into a deep depression. “Darn, you Crankshaft!”
Irish53 13 days ago
Ralph: “… YES!…is that College Girls Gone Wild?…”
nsaber 13 days ago
The past? It gets old.
chief tommy 12 days ago
KINDNESS——learn from this Where’s Crankshaft and your gang of critics
charliefarmrhere 12 days ago
Your mother meant well and you ruined it, and in a mean way. Shame on you! She probably thought it would be a treat for you. It would have been for me.
Albert Sims Premium Member 12 days ago
Don’t open the door Ralph! There’s a “Ding Dong” ringing the bell! ;-)
WilliamVollmer 12 days ago
Ed, while returning to Ralph some oh his families memories is nice. Why disguise it as a present? How is Ralph going to play it back? It’s unlikely he has a video tape player. And, how did Raplh’s tape end up in Ed’s attic?