Posted by
Dave on Wednesday, August 30, 2006 10:43:02 AM
I grew up as what I define as middle class. Looking back, I think we might have been lower-middle class, but what does the terminology really matter. My wonderful parents succeeded at keeping me from feeling the affects of any financial hardships they went through. I got some cool toys for Christmas and birthdays. I remember a lot of them: a Superman sleeping bag, an Atari, a dirt bike, and well, I could make a long list. Whether I realized it or not, my parents taught me to take care of those toys; and I did. To this day I’m picky (my wife uses another word) about how my “toys” are handled. I have a collection of nice cutlery that I’m very proud of. I’ve gotten them piece by piece over several years. If my wife uses them, I make sure they are immediately washed, dried, and put back on their magnetic strip away from any damaging elements. I appreciate my things, I work for them, and I take care of them.
I don’t take anything for granted.
I may not have had all the toys I ever wanted, but one of my childhood friends did. He was very wealthy; if there was a toy I wanted a toy, he had it. He had his own big bedroom and playroom, both filled with toys. Video games, instruments, camping gear, and whatever else he wanted. The only problem with his toys was that they were usually broken or had missing pieces. To be perfectly honest, he didn’t care about his toys. He could get whatever he wanted and expected just that. I guess that’s why they didn’t mean much to him. I could never figure out why he didn't take care of them.
I understand now.
I have two trees in the front of my house. Two very different trees.
One
tree is a miniature Japanese Maple. It was hand grafted by my uncle,
nurtured for a few years, and given to me as a Christmas present. It’s
an incredibly beautiful tree with tiny green leaves trimmed in red. It
sits about 16 inches tall, rooted in special soil, and lives in a small
handmade pot on my front porch. To keep it healthy I have to water it
nearly every day and protect if from the blazing summer heat.
It definitely wouldn't survive without me.
The other tree is quite
different. It’s a typical Maple tree that was planted by the
neighborhood developers. It sits in rocky, clay soil in my front
yard. It’s about four years old and gets no special attention. I
don’t water it, fertilize it, or do much else to help it along. I’ve
thought about giving it a little attention earlier this year when we
were having drought conditions, but to be perfectly honest, I want it
to be a strong, healthy tree, able to withstand hot, dry summers and
cold harsh winters. I’m afraid that if I pamper it, I’ll make it weak
and one harsh summer will kill it. It may look a little wimpy now, but
I know it's growing deep roots and trying hard to stay alive.
It will be better off if I leave it alone.
Ya'll come back now, ya hear!