The UPS Man
by Myra Tate
Perhaps the UPS man is my Higher Power.
He came early to my door
and gently knocked.
He said He was here to
pick up the package that was time-sensitive.
I asked Him to come in
and He said,
“I’m not allowed unless you say it
is alright.”
I said “I need help with… “
and He said as He stepped over
the doorsill, “Ah. Is it too heavy
for you? Oh yes,” He said
as He walked down the hall.
“Yes, I see. It is a heavy package.”
“I don’t know where to put this new address,”
I said.
He laughed and oh so gently took it
from my hand.
“Watch,” He said. “You must be sure to cover
the old address on the package with this
new one or it will come back to you!”
He lifted the package and said,
“You were wise not to lift this burden by yourself.
You do indeed need help while you are recovering.”
And with great care He carried the package to the door as He called out,
“Now come behind me and pull the door to –
and I will see you next time.”
“Oh,” I thought with great relief,
“There is a next time.”
I love Myra’s bemusement at the thought that she will live to see another day.
For me a next time is a do-over, a chance to redeem myself from a mistake. A sense of bemusement /acceptance / humor would serve me well in this context.
At the same time, thinking that I’ll change the behavior next time may provide me with an out from dealing with something difficult in the present.
Perhaps next time I will call on the UPS angel to help me this time to say how I feel, to remain abstinent until my ass falls off.
Oh, I think with great relief. There is a next time.
Beautiful thoughts and words, from a beautiful woman!
Yes, my dear Betsy, there is always a next time.