You know how, when someone says something to you, the moment passes
,and you wish you would have responded differently but going back and
trying to re-do the conversation just seems trivial and a tad obsessive-compulsive?
In an effort to adhere to my pact with my subconscious regarding what I call the "Regret Minimization" approach to life,I make an attempt to blog back the hands of the clock and possibly bore
the crap out of the throngs of readers who have been breathlessly
awaiting a new post after such a long hiatus.
Last night my mother came by to bring me some cookies, visit, and soak up some heat from my woodstove. In the spirit of adventure she also accompanied me out on a frosty night to tour a spectacular new house belonging to one of my clients. This part-time residence is brand new, huge, and beautifully decorated for Christmas. After the expected oohs and ahhs she turned to me and, of all things, apologized for providing me with a childhood free of the burdens of remote controlled fireplaces , showers , and white carpeting. Along with a wave of the hand and "Oh that's OK" or some other lame brush-off comment and a good chuckle the sentiment was forgotten.
Not really.
In retrospect she was right. Growing up in this house kinda sucked. Living in it now sucks.
Still no harm done. Wasn't it Nietzsche who said "That which does not kill me makes me stronger"? Yeah, well it was cold...still is, had lots of bugs...still does, is very small...still is, and needs remodeling...don't even go there. At least the chickens are gone along with their smell and the social status earned by folks who kept 25,000 stinking birds in their yard.
Granted the good things were plenty too. There were (pockets of) heat
in the winter and occasional A/C in the summer, food on the table, and a loving
family to share it all with . I can't complain about those things that really mattered.
So , Mom, no need to apologize. We were all happy with our tiny sliver of American Pie and it tasted pretty sweet at the time!
