Cracker Jacks

Do you remember the molasses and caramel flavored popcorn in a red, white and blue box? The familiarity of seeing the little sailor boy and his dog on the outside packaging. The anticipation of the sweet treat on our tongues. And of course, the excitement of dumping the entire box out on the counter to find the prize buried inside. They used to be quite collectable. Some made of metal, some of plastic and some cardboard. There were presidential coins and rings found early on, up to silverware, sporting goods items and games. It used to be prizes in almost every box or bag but in today’s age it’s about one in every five and then those prizes aren’t even close to yesteryear prizes, mostly being cheap paper products, stickers and the like. How times have changed. Even the flavors have changed through the years with cheese coated popcorn and caramel and chocolate coating. But still they have existed. There is some dispute about who originally brought them into being, but it is widely known to be either one person or the other and roughly around the late 1800’s. For my writing it doesn’t really matter who the inventor was because my focus isn’t about when or who, but what it is and how it has survived, all without falling into the abyss of extinction. The Wonka bar is a great example of that. Most of my generation will remember the Wonka bar and the history behind it. It’s that knowing that makes it special. To have watched Willy Wonka and the chocolate factory as a kid was part of our growing up, for we all wanted to be Charlie and visit such a magical place. So, that Cracker Jacks have survived since before us and most likely after us is part of the narrative I’m interested in. It’s just an epiphany of life.

Cracker Jacks were created, put out into the world, changed, adapted, and survived through the years. Much like we as humans do. We have a starting point and eventually will have an ending point but all so different and yet the same, through the years. We may come with a little bit different packaging, may come in different flavors and may contain different prizes or gifts if you will. But Cracker Jacks are still Cracker Jacks, and we are still people. As we age, we change too and our prizes inside change. What I mean by that is, I feel the human condition is a prize and as we have aged the prize has changed right along with us. Back in the day, my prize could jump, run and play all day. I had the energy and stamina, and I swear maybe even rubber bones. Now day’s I just ache, creak and bemoan. But atlas, I’m still here just like Cracker Jacks, still carrying on trying to share all the goodness that I have on the inside. Still excited about finding that hidden treasure buried amongst the sweet, popped morsels, and then in turn sharing with those around me what it may be.

As Forest Gump said, “Life is a lot like a box of chocolates”, or a box of Cracker Jacks I could say as well. But I would like to think though, that we are much more than just a once in a while syrupy snack. That our lives matter, and where what’s inside is vitally important, and the prize to be revealed is the gift to ourselves and to the world. That we don’t take it for granted, eat it and just throw it away. Every single nibble is a moment in our lives, a journey, an exploration, an experience, that leads us to not running out but to have all the more. An endless supply of Cracker Jack goodness. Of living dreams and passions, of fulfilling our calling and to be in harmony with life around us. Now if only a snack like that could truly be found. So, as I use this analogy, I hope it lights a spark in your brain, in your life and you in turn share the gift it has given you with all those around you and the world. Cracker Jacks or YOU can make the world a better place one sweet kernel at a time.