Time for Love

The subject of the email from Joe was “December 23rd.” I’m not using his real name because he’s somewhat of a celebrity.

I know what the date is without asking. The message is, “The Kleenex is on the coffee table.” On that date, Joe will be sitting in front of his television with tears rolling down his cheeks and a chill running up his spine. Me, too. Or, will I?

I reply. “This year, let’s go. Road trip!”

A couple years ago, Joe and I discovered that we’ve been doing the same thing one evening in December for decades. We discuss the merits of each year, like wine buffs talk about vintages.

On December 23rd, Darlene Love, formally of The Crystals, will appear on the David Letterman Show and sing, “Christmas (Baby Please Come Home).” The studio audience will go freaking nuts. Joe and I will be sitting in our respective abodes and experience that rare sensation of being deeply moved.

Great, but why settle for that? The ultimate has to be being there. The ticket has to be harder to get than the fifty yard line at the Super Bowl, but I’ll give it a shot.