Ralph Returns
Slightly more than an hour ago my wife left me a voice mail message. “He’s back!” Ralph has returned from Iraq. Ralph is part of the international law enforcement effort in Iraq. He’s back on leave for a couple of weeks. A large physically imposing man of few words, with a Sylvester Stallone type of demeanor, his often rather gruff exterior is well balanced by a mushy center with a heart of gold. Ask Ralph a question like, where were you last night until 2:00 a.m. and you’ll likely get a response to the effect of, “If I tell you, I’ll have to kill you”. His responses to my feeble but persistent attempts at humor are often statements such as, “Why me?” or a pleaful yell to his sister, “Will you do something with him?” My wife assures me that the only time for concern is when Ralph doesn’t tease you.
You know, Ralph and Rudy have a lot in common. Both are large white living creatures who are physically imposing, intimidating in appearance but gentle in manner. Both are as strong as an ox. Neither verbalizes a lot. Ralph, a man of few words; Rudy a canine of few barks, growls or moans. Both will give you a warning, but once they do; look out. Neither will strike without provocation. If they do strike, you don’t want to be the object of their aggression. Both can be kind and very compassionate. Rudy persistently pushed my wife’s head and ravenously licked her face to bring her back to conciousness when her blood sugar dropped dangerously low earlier this week. Without even being asked, when my mother passed away in Jan. ‘04, Ralph drove my wife and I about 1300 miles round-trip to attend my mother’s funeral. Welcome home Ralph!! You’re one of the good guys! :o)
