Exactly 13 days into 2014, I kicked my "be more tolerant to others" New Year's resolution straight to the curb. Someone cocooned in an office 1,000 miles away scratched through my line of copy "Suffolk County covers the eastern two-thirds of Long Island." Until it was gone, I hadn't known I cared about Suffolk County or Long Island or how much of Long Island is covered by Suffolk County. Now a visit to Long Island, specifically the eastern two-thirds, is on my bucket list.
On a good day, a penciled out line doesn't send me into an emotional tailspin. Freely, I scratch through the words of other writers, and I expect others will scratch through mine. I recognize that a good editor improves the words crafted by a good writer. Most often, a trimmed word or a crossed line rightfully removes an impediment. But on that day, on the subject of Long Island, I couldn't see it.
Three days after my tirade, I feel better. I look forward to sightseeing Long Island. I will stand with one foot in Suffolk County and my other foot in whatever county accounts for its remainder. I will say, "Wow! Who knew how big Long Island could be? It takes more than one county to cover this much turf!" At that moment, I will be awed and amazed. I just know it.
Missing on Monday was a "thank you." The Long Island edit came from someone who can't say thank you. And it was made at the close of a really long day that capped off a whole series of long days.
I have recovered my inner zen. I also named my no-thank-you guy "Toad," unfair to toads everywhere (sorry) but it feels really good. And I have the joy of Long Island penciled in on my bucket list. Next time I write, I plan to squeeze a totally off-topic Jamaica into my story. As soon as Toad deletes that island paradise, it'll go right on the bucket list. And I will remember to thank myself.
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