My name’s not “Howard!” No matter! Happy Valentine’s Day, “Howard!” It was not a term of endearment, nor was it meant to be. My mother just didn’t seem to understand. I had other priorities. I was an explorer and there was a whole world to explore. There were trees to climb; creeks to be crossed; beehives to disturb; rocks to be uncovered, and a whole assortment of animals, both wild and domestic, to be engaged. Young explorers with such priorities simply don’t have time for mundane things like bathing or showering, teeth brushing or fingernail trimming; thus, the moniker, “Howard,” as in, “Howard Hughes.” Howard Hughes, of course, was a billionaire-businessman who became a recluse and an obsessive-compulsive mysophobic (having a fear of germs) later in his life. A grainy, black and white photograph appeared one time in the supermarket tabloid papers. The “leaked” photograph purportedly showed a disheveled, unkempt, long haired, and bearded Mr. Hughes with very long fingernails. The photo was not very becoming to say the least, nor was the moniker. My name’s not “Howard,” I would say in protest. My mother, while holding a pair of nail clippers and a bar of soap, would then say, then stop acting like him! Slowly and reluctantly, the young explorer yielded to the matriarchal demands. No adventurer need stink and no explorer need be unkempt. Besides, as I would find out a little later, it’s not appealing to the fairer members of an explorer’s company. This would come to present a whole new host of issues, such as using up ALL the hot water for a shower far too lengthy. In the meantime, the young explorer did, indeed, learn a great lesson. Yes, cleanliness is next to godliness as we care for our God-given selves and begin to explore the whole wide world which, out of love, God gave to us. What a Valentine’s Day gift! Happy Valentine’s Day, indeed, “Howard!” XOXOXO!!!
Peace!
Fr. Wilson