A Small, Mean Thing
11.12.07 (9:43 am) [edit]
"Where does discipline end? Where does cruelty begin? Somewhere between these, thousands of children inhabit a voiceless hell." ~ Francois MauriacMy mom and I were watching a Thanksgiving-themed program on the Food Channel this weekend. She reminded me that my dad wouldn't allow her to have a potato masher. When we had mashed potatoes, she had to do it with a fork.
It's a small, mean thing to make one's work harder than it has to be. It was just another way my father enjoyed making her life miserable. I have to remind myself periodically: My father thought it was fun to watch other people suffer. The more suffering, the better.
Remembering that fact always makes me feel like someone has stabbed me in the heart.
posted by: FinalyFree (reply)
post date: 11.12.07 (9:59 am)
The only thing sadder than this story is the very fact of what a miserable person your father was--only a truly miserable person could take pleasure in causing suffering of such a small nature.
I know in this world it takes 'all kinds' but really, what benefit are people like this?
posted by: doeeyed (reply)
post date: 11.12.07 (4:37 pm)
That short story says so much.
All I can say is, I'm sorry. I hope you and your Mother have many, many happy days. You both deserve them.
posted by: Barnabus1 (reply)
post date: 11.12.07 (6:01 pm)
There are sadistic people who like to see others in pain! What comes around - goes around....they'll get theirs!!!
posted by: ggirl (reply)
post date: 11.13.07 (7:02 am)
Reply to: FinalyFree
Well, they're not of any benefit at all. He was a miserable person and he loved to spread the misery around.
posted by: ggirl (reply)
post date: 11.13.07 (7:06 am)
Reply to: doeeyed
Thank you, Doe. My mom is a completely different person now. She's very happy.
posted by: ggirl (reply)
post date: 11.13.07 (7:08 am)
Reply to: Barnabus1
He killed himself nine days before my birthday. I believe he got the last word in.
posted by: PastorDave (reply)
post date: 11.13.07 (10:10 am)
Wow, there must be quite a story to go along with this short smippet. And now I read your reply to Barnabus.
How sad, also, that a relationship would somehow develop betweena husband and a a wife- who are supposed to be equal partners- where the husband would be so controlling. Why isn't he helping to mash those potatoes, or taking his wife out to eat? It is interesting how relationships can become so unhealthy, and also how the children suffer so much from the evil- even if unintentional evil- of the parents. The good news- no, the great news- seems to me that you have a whole life ahead to live in a better way. God bless.
posted by: rosietulips (reply)
post date: 11.13.07 (12:11 pm)
I hope she has a couple of mashers now!
