October 9, 2009
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When We’re Ready
Two days ago, I was teasing the tree out front, the one by the pond: “All of the other trees in the neighbourhood have gotten their pretty colours in… now don’t you feel left out?”That evening, on the way home from Holyoke, I told Ken that I was concerned about Old Harry (Yes. I named the tree). You see, usually, he’s the first tree to turn red and gold.
Ken said, “It’ll change when it’s ready.”
He sounded so serious. I didn’t expect that. “Okay,” I said.
The tree, in our conversation, became me. Apparently, both Harry and I are stubborn. I will change when I am good-n-ready. I didn’t argue; Ken is right.
It’s one of those true things that gets buried in the dark fog that surrounds me at times. You know, the truth that it is “me” that is keeping “me” from doing the things that I want to do. It is easy to forget who is in charge, and it is easier to find some way to deny that it is YOU when you’re depressed.
Hm, I thought. I think I need to grab the reins back. It’s MY life, after all. Ken’s right. I need to flip this stubbornness over, against The Black pit. Hm.
I yawned, pulling into our parking lot. Maybe tomorrow. I’m too tired to think about it right now.
Yesterday morning, I stepped outside and saw Old Harry:
The tree teased me: “Well, now, Vanessa, truly all of the other trees in the neighbourhood have changed… Don’t you feel left out?”“Not at all,” I said. “I’ll change when I am ready… Just like you.”
Ken came up behind me and said, “You talkin’ to trees now?”
“Yup,” I said, turning to my husband. “Just Old Harry, here. Isn’t he pretty?”
Ken shrugged. “Told you it would be fine. Everything in it’s own time, Honey.”
He grabbed my hand and kissed it as we walked to our car.
I love that handsome, patient man of mine.
Comments (23)
Nice. I needed to hear something like that today.
Thanks
I like this CB.
How are the beavers?
Very nice post. Patience is the moral to this story. And boy do I need some patience. Thank you.
…me too, Ness. When I’m good and ready. By the way?
I name trees too. I have/had a silver maple in the front yard at the house named James, after my father. Not sure if Jonathan or I named him.
peace.
Change is easier to handle when it comes slowly and deliberately. Beautiful post.
nice metaphor!
Great post! It makes change seem livable for someone who generally isn’t too fond of it.
This made me smile…
It reminds me of everything good about relationships…
love it.
Aw this is beautiful. I have been in the exact same mental place while depressed, when that thought comes across my head: “You can do what you want to, you know?” And then I feel bad because I am not making those changes in my life… but really we have to accept ourselves and have patience. We will blossom when we’re ready. Thanks for sharing
It’s nice to have someone who allows for just existing without the unnatural demand to be something more or different than we are.
sounds like a keeper . . . . and all things in their own time . . .
Sounds like there is wisdom oozing from that man – what a blessing to you! Glad your tree is changing and that you have found the inspiration….
Beautiful post
!
You bet Peeps! (pats heart and points to you and that patient man of yours)
Yeah, this was a blessing
.
justme
cm
Good idea to name the tree…I’ve never thought about it before, but sounds interesting ))
baby cakes thinks this is a mighty fine post. (and that you’ve got a mighty fine man)
Aw, this is sweet!
once again, you carry the wisdom of the ages in your writings and observations. this is special and well, timely for me
I needed to read that this morning, thank you. (And Harry is beautiful!)
I love this post! Your tree is beautiful.
that tree is so beautiful!
i love the carnival colors of fall leaves