Monday, June 02, 2008


Caption: Theodore, third from left, and friends in Pokemon Island.

“Which of us is happy in this world,” writes Thackery in his masterpiece. “Which among has his desire? or, having it, is satisfied.”

For a few bright hours on May 30 in Metuchen, N.J., an answer presented itself. Several answers actually. Just look at the faces pictured above! Happy to the last. Can there be any doubt that Theodore’s Pokemon-themed party was anything less than a Pikachu-smashing success?

Twelve kindergarten classmates of Theo marched into the backyard at about 3 p.m. Little tables and chairs were arranged in the shade, surrounded by all the delights of Pokemon Island, including a lovingly hand-crafted Pikachu piñata.

At the center of it all was Theodore, freshly turned six years old. His emotions swung from pride to excitement to sheer, primal happiness. On one brief occasion, the exploding neurones cross circuited in his delicate nervous system, and he broke down during the piñata ceremony. He quickly rebounded to blow out his candle and accept his gifts, graciously shouting out the name of the next boy or girl to receive the honor of presenting a birthday gift to his majesty, the six year old.

In accordance with tradition, his guests showered him with gifts. To all those who attended – Emma, Mikey, Luke, Luke, Kara, Andrew (who, like Theo, objects to all mispronunciations of the word “Pokemon”) and all other children and parents at Pokemon Island – the Clarks of New Jersey salute you!