This is not the point of your essay at all, (although I get the point and appreciate it!), but it made me think about the time I was lying on the table, waiting for a colonoscopy, and the doctor was 45 minutes late. I spent the time staring at the hose, which was coiled up and hanging nearby. OMG!
I love so many moments in this essay. Perhaps my favorite is your mother’s line, “you’re all anyone will talk about.” Hilarious! Maybe I’m so steeped in avoidance I simply jumped at the chance to assume my mother-role!
Is honesty the best policy in every situation? I tend to want to protect people from dealing with the facts as long as possible, if I know it will cause worry.
It also prevents a stream of questions I don't care to answer at the time.
I’m guilty of the exact same crime, Mark. I love being able to check off a task on my long list of tasks. It feels good to complete it, like I’m more accomplished or something. Running into acquaintances at these times (in the middle of a “mission”) to me feels like an interruption, a speed bump, or worse a huge pot hole. Yet I too recognize Trish’s valuable point, more often than not these “interruptions” are like open windows. Opportunities to receive a gift, witness a funny story, or share another’s burden in real time. I wish there was an easier way to put aside an agenda besides falling down a hill. But my lessons are often learned the hard way!
Thank you for this story. It says so much!
I love this. And thanks. Now I know I'm the same as you. Except I vacillilate between avoidance and telling too much. You're the wiser one.
I can relate.
This is not the point of your essay at all, (although I get the point and appreciate it!), but it made me think about the time I was lying on the table, waiting for a colonoscopy, and the doctor was 45 minutes late. I spent the time staring at the hose, which was coiled up and hanging nearby. OMG!
Marylou, I'm laughing reading this but I can't imagine! Looking at the colonoscopy hose for 45 minutes is just too much. Thanks for sharing.
You explain you very well. It’s impossible to not adore you. Thank you.
Hoping you never tried to avoid me :)
I love so many moments in this essay. Perhaps my favorite is your mother’s line, “you’re all anyone will talk about.” Hilarious! Maybe I’m so steeped in avoidance I simply jumped at the chance to assume my mother-role!
I unfortunately can see myself in a lot of this
Hah--that's why I wrote it Dave, so we know we're not alone. At least now I know I'm not alone!
Fun essay and I enjoyed reading it.
My Daughter has started a couple of conversations weeks after something very serious has happened to her with "I'm fine now but....".
Love that Lisa, my kids do the exact same.
Is honesty the best policy in every situation? I tend to want to protect people from dealing with the facts as long as possible, if I know it will cause worry.
It also prevents a stream of questions I don't care to answer at the time.
The test I like is this…is it true, is it necessary, is it kind? Honest alone isn’t enough.
Very well put!
I can just see you tumbling, avoidance has its place.
I’m guilty of the exact same crime, Mark. I love being able to check off a task on my long list of tasks. It feels good to complete it, like I’m more accomplished or something. Running into acquaintances at these times (in the middle of a “mission”) to me feels like an interruption, a speed bump, or worse a huge pot hole. Yet I too recognize Trish’s valuable point, more often than not these “interruptions” are like open windows. Opportunities to receive a gift, witness a funny story, or share another’s burden in real time. I wish there was an easier way to put aside an agenda besides falling down a hill. But my lessons are often learned the hard way!
I'm glad everything turned out good
Which of the seven deadly sins is this…or is it fear?
Sloth: Laziness, physical or spiritual apathy, and the avoidance of effort or responsibility.