Tuesday, January 3, 2023

One for Non-Smoking: A short story to inspire

 

                                                               One for non-smoking

Written by: DeMaster Thomas

9-12-01 4pm

 

So there I was, solitude.  One for non-smoking please I ask as usual.  And order the same thing everyday. Tossed salad and scrambled eggs.  I got my regular spot by the window and just sat and stared out into the traffic, city activity and skyline.  It caused my mind to wander as my stomach adjusted…I…  I pandered my life in relation to current events and realized many philosophies about myself and the life lived.  And mostly how bad this actually tastes.  But most of all, I realized my life was where it was for a number of reasons.  One could be that it was created by the choices I have made and the paths I have taken.  Another could be that things unexpectedly happen to me and I reacted to them, changing my life without planning or notice.  Then there is the notion that maybe God has something else planned for me that I just haven’t found yet. 

 

I know that in order to learn and grow, we must go through many experiences in life and by this time, the eggs had settled and a touch of gas passed through my mind and…I still drifted in scattered thought wondering if maybe it was a combination of all of the above and more.  I have seen family, friends and others overcome some pretty serious obstacles in their lives and I am sometimes, simply amazed at their abilities to move on with such strength and adversity.  How it calmed me to smile gently and think of the happiness their accomplishments brought us.  Actually, it’s kind of amazing to notice how much I’ve learned just by those around me.  But yet, there I sat, alone.  Still searching for whatever it was I was looking for.  I know it wasn’t to be alone-again. 

 

Here I am.  No children, no spouse, no lover and no big time career to eat away at the lonely hours that filled my days.  Bachelor hood had completely engulfed me.  The check came and I chuckled a little under my breath.  I notice one thing that’s cool about living alone, it’s cheaper to dine out when there’s only one order on the check.  But nonetheless, in my thoughts I found a resolution to rest my mind.  I began to realize that just like everyone else, my life was simple but unique.  It was mine and no one else’s and that made it special.  To the pretty memories of my past, for the record, I love you.  Thank you for helping me to be where I am today.  I realized that I had made it through my own obstacles and overcome my own trials and tribulations and most of all, I had my own fun-filled and loving stories to tell.  I ended my outing with a smile and a small ounce of peace in my heart. 

 

I realized that no matter what, I was still me.  Regardless of my job, my social status or my physical make up.  It was still my soul inside.  Underneath the blanket of depression was a bed of happiness.  I was actually proud of me.  After all, I made that bed of memories and continue to make new ones everyday.  Today I decided it was okay to dream.  It was okay to be myself and be proud of what I want and have and have done.  It’s okay to be abstract and misunderstood.  It was all part of me and who I am.  Thank God my life was still mine and no one else’s.  There will be love for me one day. 

 

I learned a long time ago to concentrate on the present and use the past as a guide for the future.  Amen to that.  And on that note, I happily paid the server and headed out the door promising never to return.  I promised myself from this day forward, I would do things different from now on.  Where would I start?  Well, the next time I sit down eat; I think I’ll have the special of the day.  J

 

 

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