Send In The Clowns

Last night I took the family to a childhood tradition--the circus.

And not just ANY circus, mind you. But the "Greatest Show On Earth"--the Ringling Bros. & Barnum & Bailey Circus.

Two of my children had been to it over the years, but it was the first time for three of my boys. And the looks on all of their faces made the $84,000 that it cost to go worth every penny. Priceless laughter and astonishment.

Plus it was a surprise. They didn't know why we were doing our homework so early and heading hurriedly out the door. Not a bad way to spend a school night, hmmmm?

There is nothing quite like the look on a child's face when they see a human cannonball for the first time. Or the daring young man on the flying trapeze. Or the tigers pawing at the trainer in the tight spandex and Spanish accent.

And there is nothing quite like the look of a parent when they see how much the nachos and sodas cost. They should have defibrillators at every concession stand. Bill Gates would have needed a second mortgage. MAN!

Anyway, if you are lucky enough to have the circus train stop by your town, you really ought to go. Even if you don't have kids. Even if you have to take out a loan. It's worth it.

And kids need as many innocent childhood traditions as possible, since everything from the Slinky to the ice cream truck has either been dumbed down or taken away.

Where--outside of Congress--can you see someone make 3 flips in a row and land unscathed?

They don't call it the Greatest Show On Earth for nothing.

And now if you'll excuse me, I have a tightrope to walk called a radio show.