Making Scents:
Super Saving Sniffer

For the Love of Charlie Brown

What is the first thing that comes to your mind when you think of the Peanuts comic strip? Is it Snoopy or perhaps the Peanuts’ Christmas Special? For me, it will forever be Charlie Brown.

My daddy loved Peanuts.

I remember him laughing out loud as he read it every Sunday. Charles Schultz was a genius cartoonist, especially with the lead character. My daddy related to Charlie Brown in ways I will probably never know. He was a real-life Charlie Brown.

Dad always had a goofy grin on his face, like Charlie Brown, especially if he was pleased with something.

In the winter he wore the same kind of hat and took the same stance with his hands shoved in his pockets.

The funniest comparison, however, is of my parents. While shopping for a Father’s Day present, I found a figurine of Lucy preparing to pull the football out from Charlie Brown as he contemplates whether he should try to kick it again.

My mother behaved much like Lucy. It’s almost comedic thinking about it now, but also sad.

Even though Charlie Brown and my dad were often overlooked and given the short straw, both of them stayed strong and overcame.

Thanks to my sister, Cindy Thomas, for sharing this photo.

 
They both had good friends and family that loved them. They both tried their best to make a difference in a difficult world that sometimes worked against them. They persevered with great faith.

There are many more comparisons to be made; these few only scratch the surface. I will cherish that round-headed kid with the goofy grin because my daddy lives through him.