As we approach Easter Sunday, I often think about when my children were young. Jeanne would always shop early and buy the Easter candy.

I would tell her to be sure and buy my favorite candy to put in the children’s baskets, but I would eat most of the best ones before Easter. Shopping early wasn’t the problem. It was my lack of control.

Being a man and the “master” of using the blame game, I would tell Jeanne that it was her fault we had a shortage of the best Easter candy and then she would have to buy more.

One year, I finally figured out the answer to my problem. I told Jeanne that I didn’t want any Easter candy in the house until the Saturday before Easter.

The Wednesday of Easter Week she said, “Harold, all the good candy you like may be gone by Saturday. Why don’t I buy the candy today and hide it from you?”

I agreed. (Keep in mind; I was 40 years old and supposedly a mature man.)

That night, knowing the candy was in the house, I went to sleep about 10 o’clock, but woke up at 2 o’clock in the morning. I looked all over the house for the hidden treasure (under the beds, in every closet, in the washer, the dryer, and wherever imaginable).

Being frustrated and angry, I woke up Jeanne. That was not easy.

“Where’s the candy?” I asked. “I’m not telling you,” she said and attempted to go back to sleep.

“Let me tell you,” I said. “I don’t want to start an argument at 2 o’clock. Tell me where I can find the candy!”

She gave in and I was so excited to eat a pecan egg, a Heavenly Hash egg and a Gold Brick egg.

That was over 40 years ago and I’m not excited about sharing my behavior then, but glad to report that I’ve been set free.

It’s not because I have more discipline or control over my desire for sweets; it’s because my children are now married and have families of their own. Today, I can freely eat Easter candy!

If you have any questions, or comments, please write Harold Keller at Get High on Life, P.O. Drawer U, Reserve, LA 70084, call 985-652-8477 or e-mail hkeller@comcast.net.