Dear Reader Column 10-20-06

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Dear Reader,

On days when everything feels like it's out of control, all I need to do to regain my sanity is walk down to the corner and push the traffic light button.

It's the one and only traffic light in the city that "does its thing" the instant a pedestrian pushes the little white button on the side of the pole. And it's on my street. Aren't I the lucky one?

You can't count on a lot of things in life anymore, but my traffic light--the one down at the end of my block--push that button and in seconds: one Mississippi, two Mississippi, three Mississippi, the green light turns yellow, the yellow light quickly turns red and what do ya know, the world stops for a few minutes, just for me.

The signal's been sitting on the corner for years, but for some reason I never noticed it until the other day when I was out for a walk. It was one of "those" days. I had a problem, but there didn't seem to be any solution. Cars were streaming down the street and when I pushed the traffic light button so I could walk across, not only did the traffic come to a halt, but I regained a feeling of power.

I know it sounds stupid, but when I pushed that button and the cars stopped, I felt like I was back in control of things. Of course I could figure out how to solve this problem. Look at that. I made 12 cars come to a screeching halt--including a Mercedes, a BMW, and a shiny convertible with its top down. Yes, the world was looking pretty good again. So I crossed the street and since it was a long red light, I crossed back over again and waved at the cars as I went by.

It might not be my personal traffic light, but when I need a little help finding my way, it sure feels like it was put there just for me.

Thanks for reading with me. It's so good to read with friends.

Suzanne Beecher
Suzanne@DearReader.com 
http://www.DearReader.com

READ THE CLASSICS: Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl, by Harriet Jacobs, and enter the free Penguin Classic's Drawing. Go to: http://www.supportlibrary.com/nl/path_go.cfm?x=815&site=23

Comments

[carolyn teasley]

dear suzanne,

i sure wish i could have one of those buttons to push some days too! it reminds me of the staples office supply commercial--"the easy button". we grow from these trying times in our lives, as least that is what my friends tell me! just think how boring life would be if everything was easy.

i enjoy your dear reader column emensly. thank you for sharing!

[Larry Kilmer]

Good morning, Suzanne:

Always enjoy your columns - and your book recommendations. Did not enjoy your story about your childish behavior at the street crossing. Crossing is one thing, but crossing back and waving at the cars was too much! Did you ever think about where those people in the cars you stopped needed to be, or what crisis might be upsetting their lives? Next time you do something like that, please don't tell us!

[Joanne]

Suzanne-- I love your blog. I belong to the book clubs, but sometimes I only have time to read your blog. I love to hear about your escapades!! I know that some people may have seen your light crossing and recrossing as 'childish', I prefer to look at it from the point of view that, as it was a long red light the people in the cars would have had to wait anyway. Maybe they did have crises upsetting their lives, but maybe your 'childish' behavior brought a bit of comic relief to an otherwise out of control day! Maybe they took a minute to chuckle at your smile and wave. I know that it can make a big difference in an otherwise poor day! I feel bad that some people have no sense of humor. Laughing makes life worthwhile. Thanks for your wonderful stories and sharing your 'childish' behaviors with us. We need more people like you. J