Ignorance is Bliss.
I feel that most parents can relate to holding their breath to mask the mortification caused by a painfully honest remark out of their child’s mouth. I find myself doing that more often than I would care to admit. In fact, with Sandler’s blunt curiosity, it is a miracle I have not fainted from the amount of time spent holding my breath.
It used to be easier to swallow when he was more difficult to understand. I knew what he was saying, but others would realize they were unable to follow his conversation and end it quickly with a polite smile. Now that he is significantly more clear and witty, it tends to be a reaction along the lines of, “Is this kid messing with me?”
That “look” kicks my anxiety into high gear. I always start praying they [whoever is engaged in conversation with Sandler] will pick up on the fact his thoughts are coming from an authentically “special” soul. Much to my surprise, most interactions not only end well, but inevitably brighten their [person in question] day.
It never ceases to amaze me Sandler can both humble a person and reveal their confidence in a matter of seconds—and then get up and go about his business. As his mother, if it was not so nerve racking it might be one of the most enjoyable social experiments to witness. For instance, because of his lifestyle he is often surrounded by professional athletes who most people idolize. The kind of people who get asked for a picture or autograph. Sandler is oblivious to fame. If a person intrigues him [which most people do], he will approach them, compliment them, ask a few questions, shake their hand, and leave behind an awe struck legend.
Two individuals specifically come to mind: Christian Hosoi and Nyjah Huston. Both of whom are legendary professional skateboarders who happen to be regular attendees of our local skatepark in Costa Mesa, CA. On one night in particular, it happened to be Nyjah’s birthday. He chose to celebrate by skateboarding at our local park with about 30 of his closest friends. Sandler, of course, had no idea who Nyjah was—in fact, Sandler was irritated and kept asking why “those people” [Nyjah and his entourage] were taking up so much of his precious skatepark. His skate coach attempted to explain the situation, and Sandler’s response was, “Cool, I wish they would get out of my way so I can finish my lesson.” Priceless.
Christian Hosoi is known for his iconic style. He always rocks a fedora. When he arrives at the skatepark, he also happens to always bring his own fold out chair so he can watch his kids skate. Sandler was intrigued by his get up and seating arrangement and asked him, “Do you like skateboarding?”
Hosoi chuckled, “Yeah, little man, I do.”
Sandler responded, “Awesome—me too,” and proceeded to skate off without a clue of who he was just talking to. Sandler refers to him as “the man with the chair and the hat.” Ignorance is bliss.
After the initial confusion of a typical interaction with Sandler, there is a similar look on most faces. It is the look of enlightenment and it is a gift to experience. He has an ambassador like quality. He sees every person, legend, professional athlete, celebrity, or common folk as genuinely equal. It is impossible to walk away without a new vantage point after meeting Sandler. He is a crusader who will continue to confuse, illuminate, and fascinate those in his path. He will also proceed in keeping my blood pressure elevated, my anxiety at levels most cannot comprehend, and my nerves on their toes. He is simply the perfect recipe for serendipity.
- Nikki