Amy was a young woman who enjoyed spending time with her family, watercolor painting, and garage saling. She and her husband Quinn and their 3 children had recently moved into a new community, with a smaller house and yard. There was so much for Amy to learn in her new community; they didn’t do things the exact same way they had in her hometown.
“Quinn,” she said one day as she watched him at work in the garage, “I think I might be starting to adjust to living here. I’ve gotten to know Shelly, and helped Kristen can green beans. I talk with lots of other ladies at church. But I don’t know how to relate to Linda! She intimidates me! She’s one of those people that acts so…unrelateable. I try to find things in common with her, but…pretty sure she doesn’t know what it’s like not be able to reach around. She acts like she has it all together, all the time! Not like me, who has 3 kids and a messy house most of the time. I hope she doesn’t find out that I’m not as perfect as some.”
“Aww, Hon, it’s not that bad. I’m sure if you don’t dwell on your differences, you can still get along.”
“It’s not that I can’t get along with her…just not sure I’m comfortable around her yet.”
Quinn smirked a little at his wife as he fitted the lid back on the oil tank. She cared about others as though they were her own, but she sure did worry about little stuff sometimes. Wonder if there’s any way I can help her to lighten up about Linda? He wiped his hands on a shop rag and headed in the house for supper.
Two weeks later, on a balmy Saturday, Amy looked out her bedroom window at 7. No wonder the Smuckers next door were being so noisy–they were already setting up for the joint garage sale with Amy! “Wake up!” She said, shaking the snoring Quinn beside her. I can’t believe I over-slept! I’ve gotta hurry or I’ll be late!”
Amy jumped into action. Thirty minutes later, she called upstairs, “Quinn, whatever happens today, do NOT let anyone in the house! I haven’t had time to really clean it for two weeks now, so, save me some embarrassment please!!” Then she sailed out the side door, coin purse and cardboard boxes in her arms.
The garage sale went well. Amy had popped in and out of her house throughout the day, but she came home, laden with cash, around 6. “What a day. Feels good to have that behind me now.” She followed the Cheerios trail left by her 2 year old. Picking up the half opened box off the floor, her eyes caught sight of a yellow sticky note clinging to the counter among the crumbs.
“Sorry I missed you –Linda”
Her saliva vanished. Heartbeats became audible. Embarrassment rolled over her like a semi tire over a kitten. “No!” She screamed.
There was only one thing to do. She grabbed the phone and with shaking fingers, called Linda. She apologized profusely for not being at home when Linda stopped by and saw her messy house. Linda tried to be reassuring, saying, “It really isn’t a big deal; I wouldn’t worry about it.”
When Linda hung up, she said to her teenage daughter, “That was a…different conversation. In fact, it was even hard to understand Amy, she was so wound up. I’m still not sure what she was talking about.”
Amy took a few deep breaths. Oh my goodness, hope I don’t have another embarrassing moment like that for a looong time!!
She found Quinn out edging around the sidewalks. “Honey!! I told you not to let anyone inside today!! That includes Linda!”
He looked up at his flustered wife. “I didn’t let Linda inside today.” Eleven years of marriage should have clued Amy in before now. His smirk said it all. “Happy April Fool’s Day! I really enjoyed writing that note.”
Uncle John gets story credits on this one! This scenario was an actual occurrence when he was a boy, and it left quite an impression on Amy and Linda both, especially when Amy called Linda the second time, apologizing for taking her time and causing confusion. The fact of the matter is, we all have imperfections and shortcomings. The one who has a successful career may occasionally wear color-clashing clothes. The woman gifted at counseling may send emails with misspellings. My strengths lie in the area of creativity, productivity, and challenging my comfort zone with new experiences. But I am not the person to excel on your spikeball team. Amy had to learn that it’s ok to loosen up about her inability to keep up with everything. And Quinn? He learned exactly how red his wife’s face could get and how she strongly she came to feel about April First Jokes!!
Tapestry Tales 