I've Got a Tiger

I never had an imaginary friend, and I don’t remember having any favorite stuffed animal. But for some reason I seemed to be able to identify with Calvin quite well. The boy was mischievous, clever, and curious about the world around him. He wasn’t necessarily a bad kid, but he was no angel. I think quite a few of us can relate to that.

A lot of the ideas he would bounce off of his imaginary friend, were the same ones I would with my friends. Though the responses of Calvin’s pet tiger were often much deeper than mine. The best example of this was when Calvin asked Hobbes “Where do you think we go when we die?” to which Hobbes replied “Pittsburgh”. Now I’ve been to Pittsburgh before, and though it is a nice enough place to visit, I sure as heck wouldn’t want to live there let alone have that be my final destination when I die.

I was first introduced to Bill Watterson’s works in the early 90’s. By that time I was already able to buy books with collections of his comic strips at my local post exchange. After the reading the first page I was hooked and ended up leaving the store with four books.

Calvin, Hobbes, and I spent quite a few of those lazy rainy Sundays sharing a laugh. The boy’s imagination seemed limitless, and if he couldn’t scheme out a plan, then leave it to Hobbes to get the job done. From time to time I have to borrow the books from my son, who has assumed guardianship of them, and just sit back and read them with a hot chocolate in hand. Watterson’s books always seem to cheer me up when I’m feeling down. 

I wonder if my son realizes how close he was to being named “Calvin”. Of course, my wife would have objected, but it was still better than “Anakin” or “Bart” (Simpson).

Did you have an imaginary friend growing up, if so what was yours?

Did you know a kid like Calvin?

Do you have a special "something" you do to cheer you up on dark days?

Let me know in the comments below. And as always, please recommend!