The Blue Wires

Today the subject came up at work, as it does, about the movie The Incredible Mr. Limpet. Don’t ask me how this subject came up, I’m really not sure, but the subject came up. I started talking about how, when I was a kid, I would watch this movie every single time it came on TV. I have such fond memories of this film, it’s definitely one of Don Knotts better works, right up there with the Ghost and Mr. Chicken.

During the conversation I mentioned that I used to have a fish named Mr. Limpet (2000 - 2003). I got Mr. Limpet, who was a Japanese fighting fish, as a Christmas gift from my aunt. She has quite a funny story about getting him home from the fish store tucked in her shirt because of the weather, but I’ll leave her to tell that story, not me.

I loved that fish. I cared deeply for that fish. When Mr. Limpet finally passed on, in September of 2003. I buried him in the backyard and said goodbye to him. I haven’t owned a fish since. Not that I don’t want to mind you, but because I want to remember my special connection I had with him.

These days my life is filled with the joy of my son, Dylan. He’s seven and a half months old and he fills each of my days with wonder and excitement. I love him with my whole heart. Sometimes when Dylan and I are playing and there’s a fish in a book, or something like Finding Nemo comes on TV, I think about Mr. Limpet, and I think about how much him and Dylan would’ve liked each other.

I miss you Mr. Limpet, I hope you’re happy wherever you are.