“No man ever wetted clay and then left it, as if there would be bricks by chance and fortune.”
~Plutarch
Each of us is the sum of an infinity of thinly sliced seconds, where each one matters, at least to some degree. How could we ever hope to pinpoint that decisive second when things forever changed; the instant the axis of our world shifted and began to orbit in a different direction?
It might be difficult, but can be done. Tally your life, take it apart, and turn a seemingly impossible task to tremendously simple.
I know the moment my life took its first step down an aisle it would never leave. I ponder it often.
I pay no mind to the property values of my neighbors or the car I drive. My family, living, and piece of mind, these are what give my rapture breath. None would exist without the assembly of moments from this most remembered day.
I was working in a flower shop with my family on the day my life moved from middling to merit mounting. Our shop lay at the lip of a city I’d scarcely left. A stranger, a petite lady with eyes like chocolate almonds, had moved to town the previous year. She had been shopping amongst our flowers for maybe a month.
Every time she passed our vibrant displays and rounded the corner to enter our doors, I’d abandon my knife, rush my phone call, or attend to some trifle that could have easily waited, had it not been in her vicinity.
Our store was in prep until ten, but she always showed up about a half hour early. “Do you mind if I buy a few things that are already put together?”
She also knew precisely what to ask.
“Of course not,” I’d say, the words always falling behind a smile.
It was my job to keep the early birds away, but she spent enough for me to slither through rules without consequence.
Her visits grew earlier and her totals kept climbing.
I was helping her to the car on a beautiful October day, a fraction less than a month after our eyes first locked. My arms saddled with blossoms, I saw her sashay to her space from behind a bundle of fully bloomed roses.
I blushed, squeezed by, then laid the blooms across the passenger seat of her red (orange) pickup, Texas plates in a California lot. I arranged the bunches then turned to face her. Her enormous coco pupils pulled my hazel ones toward them, like ore to magnet.
I cannot recall the length of this moment, only that a single bird sang and that the perfect note felt like an epiphany.
She slipped something between my fingers. “I’m going to go broke if I keep doing it this way,” she said. Words flew from her mouth as though escaping. “Call me sometime, and we could talk longer, over a cup of coffee.”
Still in the dusty aftermath of my previous liaison, I said, “I’m just at the end of a relationship. I’m flattered, really, but I don’t think I’m ready.”
She said something then that only clinical dementia could ever steal. “Life’s too short to be unhappy. Think about it, then call me.”
All fifteen syllables sounded like a smile.
I did call, though two weeks drifted from the calendar. I wasn’t playing games, only intimidated by the strength of our obvious and unexpected bond. I found my fortitude and made up for my missing days.
I picked up the phone around 9:30 on a Friday night, the first week of November. We talked until the sun was almost a promised fulfilled.
Monday, she left on business, but her absence did nothing to dim our exchange. Each day after work, we exchanged words across a land line until far past midnight, each minute driving an already expensive hotel phone bill closer toward outrageous.
It was worth every single copper faced Lincoln.
She tore into town that next Friday, not even stopping to change. We met at a Mexican restaurant in the same center as the flower shop.
That long week was prologue to my present day; a now that can be easily traced to a single moment.
The house we live in was agreed on in twilight as the two of us held hands. A boy and a girl wait for stories each night at bedtime, snug in the cradle of my lap. They were baked in her oven from our special recipe. Our living is made in tandem, because she is yin to my yang and we’ve found ourselves happiest with the fewest possible pauses in conversation.
Our most intimate moments together would have never happened without her strolling into the store, slipping me her card, or telling me life’s too short to spend it even a sliver less than happy.
I often ponder the sliding doors of my life, and all those trails never taken. Which crossroads would have dropped me somewhere else on the day my fate was delivered?
It is impossible to know.
What I do know is that I wouldn’t trade my fate for affluence beyond imagination. There is no other life, be it prince or king, that I’d exchange for mine. I already live a life of abundance and can draw a time line and place my pointer on the precise moment that brought it to me.
Writer Dad
Writer Dad can write as beautifully for you. Click here to hire the best ghostwriter on the net.
About Sean Platt
Dave: I’m glad you like it Dave. I’d love to hear more of your story. You’ve referenced it a few times, I believe, but I’d love more details. Maybe your gift next Sunday?
Ari: That’s a good idea, Ari. I should see if I can get her to do that.
Lance: Thanks Lance. Our lives become more amazing I think once we can recognize their rhyme and reason.
Roseann: Thanks Roseanne. That was just a whole pile of compliments. : > )
I’m glad you enjoy my words. I hope to see you around.
Julie: Thanks, Julie.
Emily: I’m glad to know I can still do it! Thanks.
Wendi: We share our coffee every morning now. Life IS too short.
Hayden. It is indeed my wife. I’ve been married only once, and tis all I’ll ever be.
Kathy: My absolute pleasure!
Lori: Indeedly do, and high-five for using “tripping the light fantastic.”
Eric: My pleasure Eric. It’s some of my favorite kind of writing.
KittyTown: KittyTown! That is by FAR the best compliment you’ve ever left!
I’m here because I had a drive-by from Men with Pens (I’ll explain it in an email). I didn’t know it was your anniversary, but CONGRATULATIONS! That’s awesome. I hope you had fun in Ventura.
Karen: Thanks Karen. I’m glad you liked it. See you in the morning!
Brent: That was a powerful piece of commenting there, Brent. You had me on the edge of my seat. Keep it up, my man. Let me know if there’s anything I can do.
Jeremy: Cheers yourself. Thanks for the compliment and the stumble. I appreciate the both of them.
Betsy: My cup does runneth over. Thanks for noticing. It’s my favorite kind of writing, getting lost in love or possibility.
Blogger Dad: I would if I wasn’t such a cheap bastard and more willing to waste the ink. I think I’ll make it the wallpaper on her laptop instead.
Tara: Of course it’s my wife. I sure wouldn’t have printed it otherwise!
Michele: Thanks, Michele. Do you know where I could get one?
Turf Dad: Thanks. I’m rather pleased with that myself.
Kyddryn: She’s the smartest lady I know, for my money anyhow. I love that woman to the marrow.
Jamie: Thanks Jamie. For Everything. Sorry for the spit up.
Linda: YAY! Sunday night date. I hope you have a really, really good time, Linda. Thanks for stopping by.
Dave: I’m glad you like it Dave. I’d love to hear more of your story. You’ve referenced it a few times, I believe, but I’d love more details. Maybe your gift next Sunday?
Ari: That’s a good idea, Ari. I should see if I can get her to do that.
Lance: Thanks Lance. Our lives become more amazing I think once we can recognize their rhyme and reason.
Roseann: Thanks Roseanne. That was just a whole pile of compliments. : > )
I’m glad you enjoy my words. I hope to see you around.
Julie: Thanks, Julie.
Emily: I’m glad to know I can still do it! Thanks.
Wendi: We share our coffee every morning now. Life IS too short.
Hayden. It is indeed my wife. I’ve been married only once, and tis all I’ll ever be.
Kathy: My absolute pleasure!
Lori: Indeedly do, and high-five for using “tripping the light fantastic.”
Eric: My pleasure Eric. It’s some of my favorite kind of writing.
KittyTown: KittyTown! That is by FAR the best compliment you’ve ever left!
I’m here because I had a drive-by from Men with Pens (I’ll explain it in an email). I didn’t know it was your anniversary, but CONGRATULATIONS! That’s awesome. I hope you had fun in Ventura.
Karen: Thanks Karen. I’m glad you liked it. See you in the morning!
Brent: That was a powerful piece of commenting there, Brent. You had me on the edge of my seat. Keep it up, my man. Let me know if there’s anything I can do.
Jeremy: Cheers yourself. Thanks for the compliment and the stumble. I appreciate the both of them.
Betsy: My cup does runneth over. Thanks for noticing. It’s my favorite kind of writing, getting lost in love or possibility.
Blogger Dad: I would if I wasn’t such a cheap bastard and more willing to waste the ink. I think I’ll make it the wallpaper on her laptop instead.
Tara: Of course it’s my wife. I sure wouldn’t have printed it otherwise!
Michele: Thanks, Michele. Do you know where I could get one?
Turf Dad: Thanks. I’m rather pleased with that myself.
Kyddryn: She’s the smartest lady I know, for my money anyhow. I love that woman to the marrow.
Jamie: Thanks Jamie. For Everything. Sorry for the spit up.
Linda: YAY! Sunday night date. I hope you have a really, really good time, Linda. Thanks for stopping by.
@Writer Dad – If I come across a place, I’ll definitely nominate you! Oh, and if your wife ever gets mad at you (like that’s possible???) you should totally bring out this post. She’ll melt in like 2 seconds! :-)
*smiles*
Michele
Micheles last blog post..Help Naomi Dunford Fight Domestic Violence
@Writer Dad – If I come across a place, I’ll definitely nominate you! Oh, and if your wife ever gets mad at you (like that’s possible???) you should totally bring out this post. She’ll melt in like 2 seconds! :-)
*smiles*
Michele
Micheles last blog post..Help Naomi Dunford Fight Domestic Violence
I loved it.
I am not reading anything more tonight so I can fall asleep with that sweet dream.
texasholly @ June Cleaver Nirvanas last blog post..The potluck in search of cake
I loved it.
I am not reading anything more tonight so I can fall asleep with that sweet dream.
texasholly @ June Cleaver Nirvanas last blog post..The potluck in search of cake
Clever title – I forgot about the movie, but it’s a perfect post title.
I like your ability to unwind a moment and play it back in a textual, but subtextual linguistic symphony. It’s one thing to read a moment, but another to *feel* it.
Keep plucking at the heart strings. Life is too short.
J.D. Meiers last blog post..Lessons Learned from Peaceful Warrior
Clever title – I forgot about the movie, but it’s a perfect post title.
I like your ability to unwind a moment and play it back in a textual, but subtextual linguistic symphony. It’s one thing to read a moment, but another to *feel* it.
Keep plucking at the heart strings. Life is too short.
J.D. Meiers last blog post..Lessons Learned from Peaceful Warrior
Utterly lovely.
Warmth radiates from this piece :).
Zoes last blog post..My Time is Not Money
Utterly lovely.
Warmth radiates from this piece :).
Zoes last blog post..My Time is Not Money
I’m happy that you’re happy. And that events unfolded that catapulted you to bliss. That’s wonderful.
Bamboo Forests last blog post..An Open Letter to Will Ferrell
I’m happy that you’re happy. And that events unfolded that catapulted you to bliss. That’s wonderful.
Bamboo Forests last blog post..An Open Letter to Will Ferrell
You have an incredible talent Sean.
When I forget that I am reading something and start to live it …
Beautiful imagery in your writing!
Mayas last blog post..Slideshow: My Story – The Happiness Habit
You have an incredible talent Sean.
When I forget that I am reading something and start to live it …
Beautiful imagery in your writing!
Mayas last blog post..Slideshow: My Story – The Happiness Habit
Hello,
I found your blog through a comment on Zoe’s. Well, more acurately, I’ve seen your comments on a few of the blogs that I read, so I figured I’d check your out and see what you do in your own space.
I loved this post.
I don’t know you, and I haven’t written anything else you’ve written. But when I read this, I just – sighed. It was beautifully writtenly, and made my day a little brighter. Just thought I’d share.
Hello,
I found your blog through a comment on Zoe’s. Well, more acurately, I’ve seen your comments on a few of the blogs that I read, so I figured I’d check your out and see what you do in your own space.
I loved this post.
I don’t know you, and I haven’t written anything else you’ve written. But when I read this, I just – sighed. It was beautifully writtenly, and made my day a little brighter. Just thought I’d share.
This reminds me of the many turning seconds of my life when I have decided what to do. Now, I too live a life of abundance but there’s still one more thing that’s missing…
Chriss last blog post..I Shall Return
This reminds me of the many turning seconds of my life when I have decided what to do. Now, I too live a life of abundance but there’s still one more thing that’s missing…
Chriss last blog post..I Shall Return
What a pleassure to read, and simply beautiful how you honour the ‘moment’!
What a pleassure to read, and simply beautiful how you honour the ‘moment’!
An Internet classic Sean! I wish I could write like that. It certainly beats my “Grab your coat darling you’ve scored”
@ Dave Fowler, I’ve told you to stop calling me ‘she’
Tim Brownsons last blog post..Special Pre-Cristmas Offer!
An Internet classic Sean! I wish I could write like that. It certainly beats my “Grab your coat darling you’ve scored”
@ Dave Fowler, I’ve told you to stop calling me ‘she’
Tim Brownsons last blog post..Special Pre-Cristmas Offer!
I especially liked the ending.
beths last blog post..MonHaibun: First in Line
I especially liked the ending.
beths last blog post..MonHaibun: First in Line
WOW, This story, your story is beautiful. Thankyou for sharing.
Naomi
Australia
WOW, This story, your story is beautiful. Thankyou for sharing.
Naomi
Australia
Hi Sean, I’ve heard the story many times, but you told it beautifully this time. I think of all the girls that chased you over the years. I think of Jennie , who at the age of 13 would write you notes (which I’d find in your pockets while doing laundry) that would make Jackie Collins blush! To my knowledge, you were always a one-woman man (even though they were lined up). You were a boy, playing at your relationships like a boy. When you met Cindy, you took your first steps at becoming a man and really experiencing a meaningful, loving, take-no-prisoners relationship. I congratulate you on your maturity and everlasting love and for “cooking” a batch of great grandkids for me. Love ya, mom
Hi Sean, I’ve heard the story many times, but you told it beautifully this time. I think of all the girls that chased you over the years. I think of Jennie , who at the age of 13 would write you notes (which I’d find in your pockets while doing laundry) that would make Jackie Collins blush! To my knowledge, you were always a one-woman man (even though they were lined up). You were a boy, playing at your relationships like a boy. When you met Cindy, you took your first steps at becoming a man and really experiencing a meaningful, loving, take-no-prisoners relationship. I congratulate you on your maturity and everlasting love and for “cooking” a batch of great grandkids for me. Love ya, mom
Sean, that is a beautiful and powerful piece of writing. Bravo to Cindy for being breave enough to give you her number! All marriages should be like yours and all husbands should be a little poetic. :)
BJ Keltzs last blog post..Writing the Seasons (and other writerly uses for a journal)
Sean, that is a beautiful and powerful piece of writing. Bravo to Cindy for being breave enough to give you her number! All marriages should be like yours and all husbands should be a little poetic. :)
BJ Keltzs last blog post..Writing the Seasons (and other writerly uses for a journal)
@writer dad’smom- ohhhh I love you. Wanna be my mom? I am in need of one.
@writer dad’smom- ohhhh I love you. Wanna be my mom? I am in need of one.
Hi Laurie…That’s the nicest request I’ve had all day, but you must know I drive my children insane. It’s payback! I’m totally open to adult adoption…you seem like a great kid.
Hi Laurie…That’s the nicest request I’ve had all day, but you must know I drive my children insane. It’s payback! I’m totally open to adult adoption…you seem like a great kid.
The only pseudo mom I have is a mother in law who isn’t fond of me for stealing away her only child. What was I thinking!? I had a great mom but she let herself get cancer about 10 years ago DARN HER! So I will take you up on your adoption offer. The papers for you to sign are being FedEx-ed right now and should be on your doorstep within the hour. Let me know where to send your Christmas present, “Mom”! :o)
The only pseudo mom I have is a mother in law who isn’t fond of me for stealing away her only child. What was I thinking!? I had a great mom but she let herself get cancer about 10 years ago DARN HER! So I will take you up on your adoption offer. The papers for you to sign are being FedEx-ed right now and should be on your doorstep within the hour. Let me know where to send your Christmas present, “Mom”! :o)
How appropriate that today is the day that I give you an award (it’s over at my place) because wow- that was some beautiful writing. That has to be one of the romantic things I have ever read.
Beautiful.
Kool Aids last blog post..Pardon the interruption
How appropriate that today is the day that I give you an award (it’s over at my place) because wow- that was some beautiful writing. That has to be one of the romantic things I have ever read.
Beautiful.
Kool Aids last blog post..Pardon the interruption
@Tim – Grab your coat!!!
Dave Fowlers last blog post..The Crack Of Dawn
@Tim – Grab your coat!!!
Dave Fowlers last blog post..The Crack Of Dawn
So when is the book coming out? I’ll stand in line at Walmart at midnight–no problem.
What a beautiful tribute to a wife. Nothing touches my heart more than happy marriages. I was in tears almost from the beginning. Then, after reading all the comments, I had to read the post again, for the sheer joy of feeling new tears. Thank you so much for sharing such a deeply personal experience with us and in such a poetic way.
To Brent Williams–I know the feeling. After reading just about anything that Writer Dad posts I have feelings that start off as “Wow, I really stink as a writer because he’s so good,” to “Wow, I really want to become a better writer because HE’S SO GOOD!”
But…your comment to WD had me intrigued from the start. If your brief reply had me so reeled in I can only say that you already are that good.
Randis last blog post..And a Little Child Shall Lead Them
So when is the book coming out? I’ll stand in line at Walmart at midnight–no problem.
What a beautiful tribute to a wife. Nothing touches my heart more than happy marriages. I was in tears almost from the beginning. Then, after reading all the comments, I had to read the post again, for the sheer joy of feeling new tears. Thank you so much for sharing such a deeply personal experience with us and in such a poetic way.
To Brent Williams–I know the feeling. After reading just about anything that Writer Dad posts I have feelings that start off as “Wow, I really stink as a writer because he’s so good,” to “Wow, I really want to become a better writer because HE’S SO GOOD!”
But…your comment to WD had me intrigued from the start. If your brief reply had me so reeled in I can only say that you already are that good.
Randis last blog post..And a Little Child Shall Lead Them
Ok, Writer Dad’s Mom’s comment was just the icing on the cake. I so love your mom Sean. She’s a gem. :)
Jamie Simmermans last blog post..G
Ok, Writer Dad’s Mom’s comment was just the icing on the cake. I so love your mom Sean. She’s a gem. :)
Jamie Simmermans last blog post..G
Ok, Writer Dad’s Mom’s comment was just the icing on the cake. I so love your mom Sean. She’s a gem. :)
Jamie Simmermans last blog post..Go Granny!
Ok, Writer Dad’s Mom’s comment was just the icing on the cake. I so love your mom Sean. She’s a gem. :)
Jamie Simmermans last blog post..Go Granny!
@ Writer Dad’s MOM – No ignore Laurie she’s from Texas, adopt me. I have a much cuter accent!
Tim Brownsons last blog post..Special Pre-Cristmas Offer!
@ Writer Dad’s MOM – No ignore Laurie she’s from Texas, adopt me. I have a much cuter accent!
Tim Brownsons last blog post..Special Pre-Cristmas Offer!
As much as I hate to cry in public (let alone at work), I just can’t help myself! Your story reminds me of mine in some ways. I truly believe that though we have free will, destiny also plays a role in our lives. Thank you so much for sharing.
As much as I hate to cry in public (let alone at work), I just can’t help myself! Your story reminds me of mine in some ways. I truly believe that though we have free will, destiny also plays a role in our lives. Thank you so much for sharing.