“Life is large.”

So says our Texan friend, Joe Dan Parsons. Being a native Texan, what he
actually says is, “Laff is lahrge.”

Despite knowing that everything is large in Texas, that particular phrase
always captured my imagination. I think my psyche is drawn to the optimism I
feel every time I hear or speak it.

Joe Dan stayed with us this week while traveling back to the Lone Star
State. A tall, broad man with a deep voice and barreling laugh, he explained
to us long ago that his name was neither Joe nor Dan, but Joe Dan –
pronounced, “Jodaaan.” Apparently, in Texas there is a law that requires
every newborn child to be given and called by two first names. Even without
the law, describing Joe Dan requires additional effort.

Joe Dan lived in the South Bay seven years ago, and we knew him just six
months. My husband, Jay, pointed out yesterday, that it’s hard to believe
someone who was a part of our community for such a short time is still such
a part of our lives.

But, he is. In fact, he often is brought up among our friends in casual
conversation. Every time his name is mentioned a smile breaks out on
everyone’s face. Some people leave a mark on our lives irrespective of the
time they spent in it. It must have something to do with the largeness
theory.

If only I could remember the largeness of life. In “my” little world, and I
always perceive it as belonging to me, life is small and complicated. It is
no further than I can see, smell, or hear; it takes away rather, rather than
gives to me; and it is always seems like something to be overcome, rather
than savored.

To me, reality is not an expansive experience – by definition, “my world”
contracts into all things mine. My job. My family. My home. My things. My
problems. My. Me. My. Me. My. Problems. Problems. Problems.

It is almost impossible for me to stand back from my finite paradigm long
enough to realize the limitless possibilities that exist outside of it. It
is only with great consternation that I remember to do so. Joe Dan’s
presence is always a gentle reminder.

Joe Dan also applied his theory of size to women. That is, prior to meeting
his wife. In describing his attraction to one of Jay’s acquaintances many
years ago, he explained, “She’s my tahhp – grate big hart and an itty bitty
mahnd.” So much for his being a sage.

Are life and the people it includes really so large? We have no doubt that
our Texan friend believes it. He must. That’s the only reason we can think
of for the name he gave is first born son.

He named him Otto Pilot.

With a name like Otto Pilot, let’s hope he’s as large as the life he was
born into.