Sunday, February 14, 2010

$3.50 Well Spent


I have this phobia/resistance/avoidance thing going on with things like birthdays and other special holidays.

Christmas I can handle.

Let me rephrase that.

Christmas is about all I can handle.

I have so many people in my life that I deeply care for.

And so many opportunities to forget about special days,
and hurt all of their feelings.

There are SO MANY areas of my life where I just can't seem to get it all together,
and remembering special days is just too overwhelming for me.

So I try not to think about them.
But I secretly fear them.
They dog me.
They hover and remain, even though I ignore them.

This morning I was at the grocery store after early morning
rehearsal at the church,
standing with two other middle aged guys,
staring at the slim pickings in the Valentine aisle.

We never looked at each other,
but one guy, hands in pockets, sorta slumped over,
spoke up,

"I'm kind of last minute,"
he said, embarassed.

I kept looking straight ahead at the cards,
but I said,
"Yeah but we're here with ya, buddy."

It made us all feel better,
last-minute strangers,
sharing our shame in gentle camraderie.

Peace, man.

*

6 comments:

CiCi said...

We all do what we can do. Knowing what is overwhelming is a healthy thing actually. At least I think so. I really like what you said to the stranger at the card counter. Happy Valentines Day to you and yours, however you spend the day!!

Beth said...

I totally understand. Actually, I keep swearing off Christmas and Valentine's Day but I can't get everyone on board. I prefer the non-existent approach (which is a step below the last minute approach).

Diane said...

Ahhhh....this post makes my day. Because I think you wrote it for me alone...to help me let go of the guilt I've had for forgetting your birthday this year.

Thank you, kind Friend.

Brian Miller said...

you know, i think they would be happy just with you. sometimes that is the best thing we can give.

happy valentines!

Michelle said...

You're a brilliant, shiny star. Thank you for this blog post.

Heidi Lee said...

Chris and I don't even acknowledge Valentines Day.
It's a Hallmark "holiday"

Personally, I don't see the point.

I can tell someone I love them, and show them the love every day. I don't need a specific day for it!

Don't feel bad! At least you acknowledge it! My kids were upset with me for showing up to their parties late on purpose!