What Started It All

"Cloud goes up, cloud goes down."

We have our friend Homer to thank for this one. After a heart attack, he is in the hospital reclining and sitting up his bed, saying "bed goes up, bed goes down." Bart and Lisa his children ask their Sunday School teacher what heaven is like and they imagine their father on a cloud repeating this to himself. From the episode "Homer's Triple Bypass," a great episode from the early years. Check it out.

This quote has a story behind it from our family. When I was younger, I quoted the Simpsons so much, my whole family got sick of it and wanted to mess with my head. So they began to throw topics at me to tie a Simpsons' quote into. And I mean ANYTHING. Mormon missionaries, tigers, St. Louis, bread, anything. And the best part was, I got them all. I even had a quote for Mongolia, a thousand bonus points to who can tell me that first.

Things took a turn for the serious when they threw a curveball at me: Your dad dying. I was almost stumped and it looked for a time that they finally got me. That's when I remembered the quote above and solidified my position as King. Victory is sweet. From that moment on, I never looked back. In fact, when discussing our family's super powers (that will be covered later), mine was mentioned that I can quote the perfect Simpsons quote at the perfect time. Wow, talk about a lame super power. Move over Rogue, Qaptain Quote now has the most useless super power.

Not too long later, our family went through several death-related tragedies. I am not the kind of guy who hides his emotions well, in fact no matter how many times I see Simon Birch, the sight of that dying kid still reduces me to puddles at the bottom of Niagra Falls. I will be the first to admit that these experiences were taxing on someone who has the emotional equivalent of warm Jell-o like yours truly. Our faith was the driving force that allowed us to get through those tough times still as a family and with our heads on straight. And this in no way detracts from the irreplaceable role faith played in this process, but if I'm not laughing, usually I'm depressed. So it was this image of Homer Simpson on a cloud like it was a hospital reclining bed with the words "cloud goes up, cloud goes down" that kept a smile on my face.

Say what you will about the Simpsons, but they can certainly help to keep things in perspective for you. And I promise that you can find something to brighten your day or at least give you a chuckle on those black days. After all, there's been 20 seasons for crying out loud.

P.S. Feel free to send me your topics trying to stump me. I haven't been challenged since that day. Bring it on.