Regrets

“Regrets, I’ve had a few, but then again, too few to mention,” crooned Frank Sinatra in 1969.  Really, Frank?? I’ve had more than a few.  While I don’t think it benefits me to ruminate on them, I believe it is helpful to recognize them.

            When I was in my teens, maybe about the time I began to get some recognition for my writing, my father began to talk to me about a story he had in mind to write.  It seems to me that it was about a pioneer family.  He would have known something about that since he spent his early years in Plains, Ks.  I recall his older sister Billie telling me a story about the five children piled horizontally in a bed.  She described watching snow drift in through chinks in the walls. 

            “Nothing Books” (blank journals) were something of a trend about that time.  I remember giving him one, telling him that was for writing his story. Some years later I found it still blank and reminded him he had a story to write.  It seems like we talked again then about the story he was going to write.

            In his final years, I said, “Daddy, remember that story you were going to write?  What if you told it to me and I wrote it for you?”  And the memory of this moment still brings on melancholy:  he responded, really in a rather indifferent manner, “I don’t remember it.”

            Perhaps that experience contributed to my determination to write and publish a book that had been buzzing around in my head for some years.  I knew nothing about getting a book published.  But I began to explore resources.  That same process led to this blog.

            While some regrets are perhaps too late for a “do over,” many times there is still room for “course correction.”   I wonder if my father lacked confidence in his ability.  While I suffer from that affliction, I now have had enough experience to know I can persist with challenges.  The old adage from Thomas Edison that “Success is 10% inspiration, 90% perspiration” holds true. 

            Consider reviewing any regrets you have.  There may be some that are “tweak worthy.” 😊

May we be bearers of hope, the “wait staff” of Hope’s Café for each other and all those we encounter.  Shalom, Kate

Hope’s Café Bonus:  Perhaps a blog on “regrets” deserves a “Sorry Cake” recipe:  Mix 2 c. Bisquick, 1 lb. brown sugar, 4 eggs, 2 c. pecans and 1 T. vanilla. (The recipe doesn’t call for it but I think it begs for some cinnamon). Pour into a greased 9×13 pan and bake 35 minutes in a 350 degree oven.  You’ll be “sorry” and “regret” you didn’t find this recipe sooner!