I had been wrestling with the following story about me and Rob, my dearly departed son. It’s a parody of "It’s a Wonderful Life," which is a natural for this time of year and still one of my favorite movies (Yes, I am that old and lame!). In my version, I couldn’t decide who should be George Bailey—me or Rob? And then it became obvious who Rob should be.

***

FADE IN:

The night is full of stars, and then we hear the following heavenly voices talking. As each voice is heard, one of the stars twinkles brightly:

FRANKLIN’S VOICE: Hello, Joseph. Trouble?

JOSEPH’S VOICE: Looks like we’ll have to send someone down. There are a lot of people asking for help for a man named Larry Carlat.

FRANKLIN’S VOICE: Larry Carlat? Yes! Tonight’s his crucial night. You’re right. We’ll have to send someone down immediately. Whose turn is it?

JOSEPH’S VOICE: That’s why I came to see you, sir. It’s that little restaurant manager’s turn again.

FRANKLIN’S VOICE: [chuckles] Oh, Robbie. Hasn’t gotten his wings yet, has he?

JOSEPH’S VOICE: Too soon! And also because, you know, sir, he can be a real pain in the *ss.

FRANKLIN’S VOICE: Yes, but he makes me laugh like no one else and has such a big heart. Joseph, send for Robbie.

A small star flies in from the left of the screen and stops. It twinkles as Robbie speaks:

ROBBIE’S VOICE: You sent for me,........

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