Watch Out Grandma

Watch Out Grandma

"Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer" is a novelty Christmas song, which led to the creation of an animated movie with the same title.

Written by Randy Brooks, the song was originally performed by the husband and wife duo of Elmo and Patsy Trigg Shropshire in 1979

Grandma got run over by a reindeer
walkin' home from our house Christmas eve.

In life, as in business, there are 3 groups of people.  There are those who talk about what is happening.  There are those who make things happen.  And, there are those who always ask, “What happened?”

Clearly grandma falls into that third grouping.

Are you in the active group?  You know that group of people who are the agents of change.  That group of people are living life to make a difference….to improve conditions for others.

Or are you in the group who sits in the recliner of life wondering what happened?  “How did I miss it?” they often ask.  “How did I not see that coming,” is their mantra.

Whether we are talking trends, the economy, world affairs, or life in general – these folks continue through life scratching their heads.

You can say there's no such thing as Santa.
But as for me and Grandpa, we believe.

We’d been warned, “Santa is coming”.  Yet there are some who pay no attention to the tsunami warnings and continue walking along the beach of life.

Several years ago, Donald Trump and Robert Kiyosaki coauthored a book and stated that the middle class in America would dissolve.  These two financial giants warned us to take whatever steps are necessary to choose which group we wish to be in – the wealthy or the poor.  If you do not choose, the choice will be made for you.

Many people ignored their warnings (not that they are 100% accurate – but other successful people shared the same warnings).  Now, those who ignored the warning signs are claiming they are the victims of the economic downturn, the casualty of the system, and other excuses.
(Granted there are some who truly were caught up in the tidal wave of life and were totally unaware – but many were warned and only a few heeded the lifeguard’s whistle.)

She'd been drinkin' too much egg nog.

So, here we have grandma taking her focus off of life and centering it just on herself and her own instant gratification.

And we'd begged her not to go.

Again, warning signs.

But she'd forgot her medication,

Here I wonder why grandma was pounding down the egg nog and was on medication – but I digress.

Apparently grandma did not take the meds she was on to counter her medical weaknesses.  How many times do we not prepare ourselves for life’s journey by not fortifying our weaknesses?  If you get cold easy – layer your clothing.  If you are not financially stable – get financial wisdom.  If you have problems with credit cards – leave them at home when you go to the mall.  If your board of directors has a weakness – fill in the gap with someone who has strengths in  that arena.

and she staggered out the door into the snow.

All too often we enter into the battles of life unprepared.  Recognize your weaknesses and shore them up.  And, don’t be afraid to rely on reinforcements.

When we found her Christmas mornin,'
at the scene of the attack.
She had hoof prints on her forehead,
And incriminatin' Claus marks on her back.

Grandma was a casualty.  She was warned.  But when you disregard the warnings, you get what happens.

On another vein of thought…in school we learned “for every action – there is a reaction.”  And, for every action, there is a consequence.  Whatever you do – someone is always watching and there is always a trail of evidence.

Grandma got run over by a reindeer,
walkin' home from our house Christmas eve.
You can say there's no such thing as Santa,
but as for me and Grandpa, we believe.

Now were all so proud of Grandpa.
He's been takin' this so well.
See him in there watchin' football,
drinkin' beer and playin' cards with cousin Belle.

This is, in one sense, a very morbid and sad verse.  We laugh because of the bizarreness of it.  But, there IS a lesson to be learned here.  Everyone is replaceable.  No matter what your job, your status – even if you are grandma, you ARE replaceable.
It's not Christmas without Grandma.

All the family dressed in black.
And we just can't help but wonder:
Should we open up her gifts or send them back?
(Send them back)

Again, here is another bizarre verse.  But, it is another reminder that once we are gone – the earth will continue to spin.

Those tools that enabled you to be the tradesman you are – will be on e-bay once you are gone.  The stuff you treasured and cherished – will be in someone closet collecting dust and be just a memory of your existence.

Grandma got run over by a reindeer,
walkin' home from our house Christmas eve.
You can say there's no such thing as Santa,
But as for me and Grandpa, we believe.

Now the goose is on the table.
And the pudding made of fig.
And a blue and silver candle,
that would just have matched the hair in Grandma's wig.

At every family gathering, office gathering, and party – there WILL be stories.  Those stories will be told over and over and over.  Some are funny, some are sad, and some are embarrassing. 

Take heart.  Often, you get to write your own story.  All of those stories, when told, always end with that one final phrase that describes YOU.  He sure was a rebel.  Yeah, but she was a good hearted soul.  He was an honest businessman.  She was a terrific cook.  He always had a funny story. 

You get to pick what will be said at your funeral and at these gatherings and parties.  How?  By the way you live your life NOW.

I've warned all my friends and neighbors.
"Better watch out for yourselves."
They should never give a license,
to a man who drives a sleigh and plays with elves.

Grandma’s failure to heed advice and take her meds impacted others.
What you did yesterday.  What you do today.  And, what you do tomorrow will impact others.  They will learn from your strengths, your weaknesses, your successes and your mistakes.

Live wisely.

Grandma got run over by a reindeer,
walkin' home from our house, Christmas eve.
You can say there's no such thing as Santa,
but as for me and Grandpa, we believe.
(Sing it Grandpa)

Grandma got run over by a reindeer,
walkin' home from our house, Christmas eve.
You can say there's no such thing as Santa,
but as for me and Grandpa, we believe.

Merry Christmas

To all the readers of this blog, as well as my friends and family…..have a blessed Christmas.

Ron