Sappiness abounds

Yesterday, during the wedding, a young stage hand asked me in all earnestness what it was I saw in the Phenom. (The Phenom has quite the reputation for being demanding and unyielding.)

I laughed and gave a silly answer.

The real answer wouldn't have been the best of party talk. But, here it goes.

One, the Phenom is one of the most generous humans I know. The Phenom's first impulse is generally to generosity . . . and I'm afraid I can't always say that about myself.

Two, the Phenom is a terrific judge of character. If the Phenom likes you . . . it is because there is some quality that makes you worth the effort. You might be undisciplined or rough around the edges . . . the Phenom has a way of seeing beyond that. I trust the Phenom's judgement of character . . . and hope it's rubbed off on me some too.

Three, as with most humans, their most attractive traits can sometimes also be their most vexing. The Phenom has amazing self confidence. The Phenom's self confidence is well earned and deserved. The Phenom has worked hard. At the same time, in the midst of an argument, the Phenom's self confidence can become arrogance and what attracts me also makes me want to thunk something over the Phenom's head.

Fourth and lastly, the Phenom accepts me for me. That's kinda hard sell for a monkey . . . and I appreciate it.