Oh, well, will move on since I can't highlight or delete him.
I was just thinking of how the tiniest thing we do, can affect people for a life time...and my story begins.
My mother's brother was a big man and he begat a son. James was my age and, (I'm sorry, James), he was a wimp. Always trying to out run me, out climb me, out wrestle me...you name it. I was a tomboy so he didn't stand a chance. I didn't know he lived in town or that his father was rarely home or that when he was, he drank and made fun of James. All I saw was a pest.
I was never mean but tried to avoid him like the plague. Always pestering me, always challenging me. How many times do I have to beat you before you decide to give up???
Well, one day I was fed up. The adults were gone or I would have been skinned alive! I called James a girl and proceeded to put one of my dresses on him. He didn't stand a chance...then I took a picture...he cried.
I had won...but the victory was not sweet.
Years later, James tracked me down with his children in tow. He talked about that day, and how it ate at him. He was successful but never grew very big (I could still whip him, if I had wanted) Between his father's abuse and MINE, he was driven to succeed, despite his size.
I kinda feel bad but knowing what I know now, I am afraid I wouldn't have changed a thing.
Forgive me, James has.
14 comments:
You have a good eye for photo opportunities. I never would have looked at the crossing lines in the sky and thought of taking a picture. And I would have missed a good photo. I am learning to have a better eye by reading your blog.
Sometimes lessons we are taught in life are not nice at all. Would James had succeeded had it not been for that dress? Forgiven, please tell me he is not a fashion designer. :)
Jules @ Trying To Get Over The Rainbow
It's a good thing to forgive and move on.
Great shot of that cross in the sky, very nice :)
Enjoy your Saturday
Would that be called "tough love" for James, maybe? Love the X in the sky to go with your post.
It's amazing to me how our low spots can really stick. I have some memories like these, too, but usually, it was me being picked on by the older kids.
I'm glad James has forgiven you.
poor guy.
but about that bug...that's happened to me too!
He's probably just pleased that you don't still have the picture - or do you and you're not sharing!!
Oh Guilty Gail, just sit back and be satisfied that you played a big roll in Cousin Jame's success.
Ya know...everything happens for a reason and all. It the big picture baby! Heeehehehe!
There's not a one of us who doesn't look back and wish we could undo some of those choices me made as a youngen!
Have a glorious weekend sweetie!!!
What a meanie! Fortunately, we all grow up sometime, and you were forgiven.
If James has forgiven you, that is what matters.
You were kids, doing what kids do. Nothing for me to forgive.
Wow, you were a tough cookie! I was, and STILL AM, a wimp, so BE NICE TO ME! Ha ha! If James forgives you, then so can I.
Nice capture! Hope the little bug went away! Weird that it was behind your screen! It is nice when we are forgiven of past...for lack of a better word...meaness! =)
We all have done not so great things when we were young. James must have a big heart, I am so glad he forgave you:)
I'm glad James has forgiven you. Cousins need to do that for each other.
=)
Post a Comment