Ghostwritten

A holiday story from my dad

Dad wrote a number of short pieces during his lifetime. Between dressing up as Smokey Bear, a big red cardinal, and a big red dog, he had with a small post-retirement career in entertaining little ones. With cruelty seemingly on the rise today, I’d like to pay homage to all the people who work a little extra to bring a smile to others. Here’s Dad’s holiday-themed story for your enjoyment, lightly edited by moi.

Clifford, the Big Red Dog, at the Indiana State Museum

As part of the State Museum’s 2008 Celebration Crossing Exhibit, I was in costume four times roaming the halls as Clifford. Hidden inside a suit where you are completely anonymous, the kid in me was set loose—maybe it was all that adoration coming my way.

At the first sighting for most kids, there was instant recognition and shouts of “Look Mom, it’s Clifford!” Many immediately came running for a hug. Sometimes it was a group-hug of four or more and cries of “Take a picture.”

Some were shy, but gazed adoringly from a distance. Parents often urged closer contact with talk of watching Clifford on TV and “now he’s right here!” Most could be coaxed closer with the offer of “high-fives” and non-aggressive doggie behavior, like happy clapping of paws when a timid one made first touch. If a small child buried his head in Clifford’s chest, the parents cooed, “Oh, that’s so sweet.”

School-age children were the most vocal. Some said, “I have all your books” or “I love you Clifford!” Others peered into the big eye peepholes, then loudly announced, “I see a face in there.” But many more gleefully ran off yelling, “I got a hug from Clifford.”

Teen responses ranged from cool aloofness to challenges like “My dog’s bigger than your dog!” A boy playfully invited me outside to settle the score. Teenaged girls more often would feign a swoon into Clifford’s arms with “I loved you Clifford.”

The too-cool teens were a challenge to Clifford. If no small ones were present and seeking his attention, he would pursue the cool ones, tap them on the shoulder, and insist on a high-five, usually leading to success and even a hug, to everyone’s laughter.

Most adult reactions were in response to the children and Clifford, but a few were startling comments directed at his doggishness. Not surprisingly, the most frequent were about fire plugs and directions to the nearest one. One woman spoke of dog breath. Another made Clifford an indecent proposal to meet her later!

But the most fun for Clifford were the infants, those old enough to fix a gaze, but not yet speaking. They generally were not frightened. They just watched in fascination often with a puzzled expression. Playing peek-a-boo or blowing kisses would usually bring a smile, to the delight of parents and the satisfaction of Clifford.

Those were the times the sweat-soaked guy inside the scratchy suit forgot his creature discomforts and reveled in the moment.

Donovan Miller
December 23, 2008

Dad making friends as Smokey Bear, cardinal, and Clifford the Big Red Dog