ofREH

So.
At first, I scrambled to discover what is was that I wrote that gave such grievous offense. Reading and re-reading, I thought that perhaps if someone was unfamiliar with my sarcasm, my penchant for points scored by illuminating the opposite and absurd, might come to a conclusion I’d not intended or hoped for.
In the end, I decided it must have been the accompanying photo. A parody, a ridiculous suggestion of the opposite of what I had wanted to convey.
It was, after all, what my Sister had pointed to in a vile and hateful email sent me. Railing the message and it’s unintended consequences.
It seems, it was not.
At first, I was mildly abashed. After some reflection, decided to remove the photo. I wrote my Mother and expressed regret at having given offense. Even though I was also shocked she might have ever perceived I held anything but love and admiration for such a wonderful Man.
I solicited input from friends. Thinking I should consider my inability to pursue in clarity, my love of words.
One, Alice, wrote and commented that my intent was clear to anyone that knew me. She pointed out that my Family obviously does not. She also acknowledged that she was indeed the inspiration for the post. Having told me a story about how her child had happened upon her “curling iron” and how she dealt with such a awkward moment.
Alice is a wonderful writer. One of my favorites. It seems though, she may well consider a different pursuit as well.
because…
Another vile and hateful message. This one though, relieved me of any doubt to what had given such offense but, more importantly, any culpability in any misconstrued sentiment.
It seems, even though Alice was so clear, my Mother believes my “curling iron” analogy was directed at her. Horrifying.
It seems we can find offense and slights wherever we look, if we want to see them. Even if they obviously (Thank you Alice) don’t exist.
So it seems.