When we were growing up, my brother and I shared a bedroom, and on nights when we couldn’t leave the excitement of the day behind—and most of our days then were wonderfully exciting—we’d play a game known as “I have dibs on everything in the wide, wide world!” The first of us to shout out that phrase, and, importantly and mysteriously, to be recognized by the other, would then entertain requests from the other for some of the “everything” they owned, using their power to dole it out piece by piece. Brothers!
Being fans of Bugs Bunny cartoons, we’d often first ask for a garbage can that we could put over a hole in the ground! As we saw Bugs do, that became a place to live. We then proceeded to beg and plead for more and more stuff, much of which ended up piled on our beds, until life returned to a more normal equity and sleep came. In the morning the results of our playing had fallen on the floor waiting to be picked up and put away for another round the next night.
I’m sure neither of us ever asked for Greenland. We did not need a billion dollars or friends who had the same. We just knew the sunset most nights was worth stopping our play to enjoy. Of course we had childhood squabbles, but we did not hate people who were unlike us. In fact, as children we had a strong sense that differences in the way people looked were not particularly important. Both my parents grew up in China so their worldview was in many ways global. My father taught at a nearby university and, I’m proud to say, always made our home a safe and welcoming place, especially for Asian students. He knew what it was like to be far from family. My mom welcomed all with a smile and good food.
I am grateful my family now has become a wonderful rainbow of people. The same is true of our friends and neighbors. It is, in fact, the way the world is: a giant rainbow of humanity, a gift of life.
This monster who has found his way back into the Whitehouse is also part of humanity. But I would welcome him into my home only if he behaved. The game my brother and I played was perfect for kids eight or nine years old but not for those who are as old as Trump or I am.
It is time to share “everything in the wide, wide world,” and then turn out the lights and get some sleep so we can wake up, refreshed, ready to envision a new day—there is plenty for all!
Still Learning To See 
A lovely post. Do you remember Tuli Kuferberg, a beat poet contemporary
of Kerouak and ginsburg? He wrote a book whose title seems the exact
opposite of your excellent point, but he was referring to experience,
not material goods if i remember correctly. it was titled “I want
everything, you prick.” It always made me smile…when i was young and
greedy for the world.
I am now a patron of the world of “enough.” knowing what it is and
recognizing when you have it.
Love this. Thanks. Yes, even being greedy about experiences seems unnecessary at our age. The has been so much and every day still has so much more right there in front of me. Enuph indeed!
JOHN, This is great. Love it and you >