Last week, I had such a taste for oranges. I decided to buy some, so I drove to a hardware store. It appeared to be a well-stocked shop. All the shelves were full, but I looked all over the store and couldn't find any oranges.
Finally, I asked the man at the counter where they kept the oranges. You wouldn’t believe the look he gave me. It was like I was crazy, or something! I walked out of there feeling angry as well as pretty disappointed that I still didn't have any oranges.
A few days later, I was thinking some fresh squeezed orange juice would be a wonderful way to start my day. I decided to try again. I left my house with confidence that this time I would get what I needed.
When I walked into the hardware store, the man behind the counter gave me a tight-lipped look. He watched me suspiciously as I perused the aisles. I ignored him and continued to search for those oranges. Can you believe it? I could not find one orange anywhere in that store!
I was feeling nearly furious at this point. I went to the man to give him a piece of my mind but he just stared at me blankly as if he had no idea what I was talking about.
All that day and the next I wandered around my kitchen, turning up my nose at everything in the pantry and fridge. I opened a yogurt but I sure didn't enjoy it. All I really wanted was an orange. I stormed inwardly at the stupid man behind the counter, calling him every name I could think of. What was his problem, anyway? Why was he looking at me like I was crazy?
Then, yesterday, I went back to the hardware store again. I glanced around, seeing pliers, plumbers’ helpers, and every size nail one could imagine, but still no oranges. In a fit of rage I started tearing the place apart. I raged and rightfully so! All I wanted was one stinking orange and this guy wouldn’t give me even a segment!
As the policed pulled up, it finally dawned on me… This guy doesn’t have any oranges to sell. This kind of store simply does not carry oranges. It doesn’t mean it’s a shitty hardware store, only that they don’t carry oranges.
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For over fifty years, I’ve been going to my mom in search of things she doesn’t have to give. There are other places I can go to get these needs met, so I think I'll stop going to the hardware store for oranges.
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Wise decision, Shen! If you want oranges you need to go to a specialist citrus nursery...buy yourself an orange tree and, for the rest of your life, you'll have all the oranges you'll ever need, plus some to give away ;)
ReplyDeleteWonderful analogy...now, BE STRONG!
It was great you popped over to enjoy the sea with me :) Good for the soul to get two lungs-full of fresh, salty air!
That's a wonderful piece of writing Shen. I like what Desiree said too about getting yourself an orange tree.
ReplyDeleteI guess settling with this realisation is going to take a bit of work. I hope you have good support while you do it.
Oh, I love this story...and Desiree's comment about buying your own orange tree added a new insight that was equally valuable.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing this, Shen!
I've had such a fun couple days - spent wed with my son who is home from college, getting him a hair cut and shoes and going for lunch together to catch up, then today my daughter drove in from out of town to go shopping for accessories for her wedding which is coming up in june - so much fun!
ReplyDeleteAt any rate, that's why I have not been in to check on my blog. Thank you Desiree - you're right about owning the tree. In a way, that's what marriage and kids are about, right?
Evan - yes - integrating this concept is not as easy as knowing it. I am working on it. I'm so glad I had a break from reality for acouple days (or maybe more like a break TO reality) but I have something new to try tomorrow, which I'll be writing about soon.
Katrina, I'm glad if this was a story you could relate to. The concept was presented by someone sharing at a coda meeting a few nights ago and it really struck a chord with me so I had to create the story and post it.
Shen, you are such a clever and insightful girl - what an absolutely perfect analogy to use in relation to your mother, and so well written!
ReplyDeleteI'm glad the past few days for you have been filled with love and fun with your children. You have a wedding coming up? My, what an exciting time this must be. When is it?