A life is built as much by what you say no to as what you say yes to. – Cate Blanchett
According to some people, I probably say YES too much.
MTM: Can I buy this custom vintage racing bicycle, even though I have you-don’t-know-how-many-others and it’s a thousand dollars?
Me: Yes, even though it’s called ‘The Widow Maker.’
Organization: Will you do a kickass program for no money?
Me: Yes, I’m desperate for enough readers so that I can actually say I make minimum wage.
MTM: Emirates has JFK-to-Milan tickets on sale for $400 if we buy by midnight. Would you like to go to Tuscany again this year?
Me: Yes, though I haven’t a clue where we’ll get the money.
Dad: Andra! Bring me some toilet paper! A LOT of toilet paper!
Me: Yes, I’m on my way.
Friends: I know you’re on deadline, but I haven’t seen you in forever. Want to grab a drink tonight?
Me: YES!!! MORE THAN A DRINK!!! LET’S HAVE THREE!!!!!
I hear the word NO multiple times a day, meaning I know how it feels to the hearer. My lips refuse to wrap around it. In fact, my tongue freaking rebels.
My problem with NO found me in the car when I should’ve been finishing my novel. I didn’t have time for my errand, and I’m mortified to admit I approached it with dread. I don’t like hospitals, especially when the letters I and C and U are strung together. And I REALLY can’t stand to see anyone I know stapled to a mattress with machines. One wrong step, and that person could be me.
On a random Sunday, I said YES to an errand I detested. I found my way to the ICU, and I sat in a room with a friend from high school. She didn’t know I existed, never saw me there. But in those minutes, I knew why I say YES so much. I’d want someone to care enough to sit in that room with me, even if I was oblivious. We all want our existence to matter, don’t we?
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This is part of a series of pictures about making memories. If you liked the story why not share it with your friends? Let’s meet on Facebook or Twitter. If you prefer pictures you will surely like my Instagram. I’ve collected inspirational things and more on Pinterest! Any comments? Write them below!
13 Comments
Yes.
Yes.
Yes.
Thanks for reading. It’s important to say yes.
i’m so glad you were a yes on this, even though you wanted it to be a no. it was important that it was a yes.
We never know what our presence means to someone, even when they have no idea.
And that is why you are a rock solid friend and a good person. Want to grab a drink some time?
When I’m home, absolutely. It’s tough being on the road with no phone and spotty internet.
Day before yesterday, I said goodbye to an old friend. What I remember about him most was uninhibited laughter. I didn’t get an ICU visit. But I did get laughter the day before yesterday. A whole bunch of us told stories and laughed a lot. We won’t get any new ones. But yeah, we do have the memories.
I’m glad you had that time, and I’m sorry you’re lost someone who matters.
What a beautiful story, Andra. I’m glad you said yes to that. 🙂
Me too.
Saying Yes can be a good thing. Nice of you to sit there. Sorry you have a friend in that condition.
She’s strong and is recovering.
This made me cry Andra…I know this one way too well. You’re awesome, you know that! Notice that was not a question…
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