Odd Man Out: The Last Man Standing

Hello all!  It's been quite some time since I last communicated with you on my blog and so much has happened!  The Christmas season, a new year, the beginning of cheer & dance competition season for my four girls, and the death of a fish.

This wasn't just any fish.  This was a mighty beta fish that we bought on Valentine's Day last year as a gift primarily for our 6-year-old but also for the family.  Since my wife won't let us have a dog yet ("We already have four puppies Keith!") he was the Garvin family pet.  More importantly he was the only other male in the house.  My friend & loyal companion who was the only one who not only would swim there & listen to my concerns but also wouldn't cut me off halfway through any of my sentences.

His name was Ariel (like Ariel Sharon…not the stupid cartoon fish), and I have no proof that "he" actually was a male….but I know deep in my heart that testosterone oozed through his gills!  How else do you explain him swimming in place all those days & nights and listening to me while I expressed my innermost feelings and practiced the lectures I had for my daughters???   And Ariel didn't want money to go to the movies with his fish friends, or go out to eat while he left dad at home.  And he never got too old to give me a hug or say "I love you Dad."  No…all he wanted was respect, his water changed on a semi-regular basis, & his fish food once a day.  Ariel was the real thing, a great catch if you will.   And then the little sucker went & died on me!  Further proof of how difficult & grueling it is to be one of the only males in a house full of women.  Ariel couldn't take the pressure anymore so he kicked the bucket & got flushed to that great ocean in the sky.  Rest in peace my good friend and confidant.  I'll do my best to honor your memory & represent men of all species.  That is if they don't kill me too!

-Keith