The Jack in the Box

All of us have played with them as children. They seem to never go out of style. It is a very simple mechanical toy. When the crank is turned a tune is played and at a certain point the lid flies open and out pops a clown or similiar creature.

The one I had as a child played "Pop Goes the Weasel". Just at the moment when it was time for the word "Pop" to be sung the clown would jump out. The amazing thing is it never changed. I knew it was coming. I anticipated it. But when it popped out I was always just a little surprised.

This little toy reminds me that there are some things in life for which you cannot fully prepare, no matter how hard you try.

Today Mr. Waller passed away. I knew the song. I had heard it many times before. I braced myself and waited for the dreaded moment that I knew was coming. Nevertheless when that moment came I was surprised, stunned, saddened and a little frightened. Like I said, there are some things for which we just cannot fully prepare.

lcr