Dear Norma, I was wrong

I’ve never been one to shy away those who leave comments disagreeing with something I’ve said. Comments which point out a different way of thinking about things, a different idea or giving me something to think about. In fact, I look forward to comments because there are so many people in the world and I know my way is not always the right way, nor is it the only way.

What I get frustrated at, is when comments are left disrespectfully, with no regard to the fact that we are all humans and deserve to be talked to as adults. It’s okay to disagree, to point out another idea but be civil about it. I cringe at those who comment, sometimes hiding behind the “no sugar not included” tagline and spill their opinions in a tacky, sinister and disrespectful way.

That is not Norma. Norma is a woman who has been reading about my journey for years. I’ve never met her but have gotten to “know” her through her comments. She has never told me what I wanted to hear. She tells me her thoughts, whether it’s in agreement with me or pointing out a differing idea. Sometimes, she gets very candid and blunt but it has never been disrespectful. There have been times when other readers feel as though she’s gotten too close to the line between respectful & disrespectful. In those times, she has handled herself very well, coming back to clarify, not argue. And in those times when a comment-conversation has ignited, she emails me personally and apologizes. Those email exchanges between Norma and I, we don’t pour our entire personal lives to each other but we do bond. We aren’t best friends, but I understand her and appreciate her comments.

I appreciate everyone’s comments – and that is part of the reason why blogging is so important to me. Because of the way comments can help change my life.

A few months ago, I wrote a post and Norma commented. It wasn’t until this week that I realized I need to apologize to Norma. Here is my letter to her.

Dear Norma,

I was wrong.

I had stuck in my mind a pre-conceived idea which I had developed when I was a teen. I don’t remember a specific moment but I just had it.

I hated oranges.

Oh yes, I’m apologizing to you about oranges. For over TEN YEARS, I was adamant they were horrible. Sour. Tart. I had no idea why anyone would them let alone buy a WHOLE FLIPPIN’ bag of them! Ew – citrus! And now? Well, take a look at this:

A couple weeks ago, Carlos put a grapefruit in our shopping cart. I scrunched my nose up and made noises that were un-girly. A few days later, he cut into it and as Carlos often does, he insisted I try it. I declined but…. he insisted. And insisted. And then shoved the piece in my mouth. As I chewed the grapefruit, I realized it was actually kind of sweet – and there was no sugar on it.

Fast forward a week, I found myself standing in the produce isle, staring down the grapefruit. I carefully picked out what I thought to be the perfect grapefruit and dropped it in my cart. I walked around the grocery store, sneaking looks at my little ball of courage, proud of myself. I was going to eat a grape fruit. And I did. I liked it.

The next week, I put a grapefruit in my cart and as I stood there, the oranges crept into my line of sight. I remember the post about oranges, Norma’s comments and somehow, as I was checking out, I realized an orange had jumped into my cart. Whatever. I checked out and later, carefully peeled the orange.

I admit it, Norma.

YOU WERE RIGHT.

WHO KNEW?!!! Oranges are amazing! They are so sweet and juicy! Oranges are crisp and perfectly balanced. Peeled and eaten as just as they are or cut up & and served on top of a bed of lettuce and chicken.

And what else? This past Sunday, I bought AN ENTIRE BAG of oranges!

Norma, you were right. Oranges are amazing – and if you hadn’t of commented months ago, I probably would have never tried them. So thank you – thank you for your comments!