Did the rebbe mean that I think that the 12 steps are magic and not real life, or that they are real life and relying on anything else is like relying on magic?

A Story in Three Parts

Part I - 7:57 PM
On my way into my apartment building, I run almost headfirst into my bechor (aged 11 ka"h). To my surprise, he is carrying an "Artik" (popsicle -he has a collection in the freezer from Avos U'banim and Chevras Tehillim. He's not too fond of them, and he doesn't find the time to eat them before Shabbos Mincha anyways [he doesn't want to come late and miss the "Chevras Tefillah" cartisim] so he's always got a stash in the freezer) wrapped in a piece of loose-leaf paper. He says a quick "Hi Tatti!" and goes surreptitiously on his way to... (I haven't got the foggiest clue where, but I assume that it's to this chaver who was roidefing him in Cheider, who sent him a nice apology letter Thursday night [prompted by a maternal conference], and my son wanted to demonstrate fellowship)

Part II 11:40PM
My wife asks me the following halachic query:

Is there any halachic problem presented by a boy (a minor aged 11 y.o.) giving a gift to a member of the opposite sex (a minor aged approximately 11 y.o.)?

My learned response:

"HUH?"  :o

(I live in what is known as "New Meah Shearim". The most modern people around here actually wear [gasp]  :o sheitels!!! instead of R' Arelach Style Tichels. They are maybe 7% of the local population. Who could that kid be flirting with?  >)

Part III circa 7:30 PM
My oldest (11 y.o. ka"h, may Hashem protect him from Pigei HaZeman) has been teased by a local girl (maybe a 7 y.o.) mainly by name calling/chanting and somehow in the aftermath of the teasing he insulted (or was afraid that he insulted) the girl's older (11 y.o.) cousin who is a yesoimah [orphan- her mother died unfortunately at a young age] (l"a nisht mer gedacht).

My little tzaddik was so regretful about the incident, and was appalled at having pained a yesoimah that he wasn't satisfied with the apologies that he already had made. He ran home, took an "artik", wrapped it up in an apology note and went to deliver it forthwith.

END

How good can G-d be to one person?  :'(

ben durdayah wrote on 03 Jul 2011 10:53:


It sounds like you are in an awfully lot of emotional turmoil.  You are very lucky to have your wife's blessing. 

I think it would be very smart to listen to her.

And stupid not to.

--Eye.

that's a great story, EBD!
ashrecha
shep nachas

I am pleased to inform my dear friends that one of the big issues that had me RID-ridden has been resolved.

It turns out that my mind made much ado about nothing.

The fact that I almost drove myself stark raving mad and was walking around as if I was doomed -convinced as I was that I had made a mistake that could destroy my life -serves as a lesson of how capable we are of self delusion to the point of insanity. My mind was really playing games on me.

And it was trying its best to keep me from facing the problem, seeming relishing the wallowing in uncertainty. All I had to do was pick up the phone, and call the entity involved with the problem -and I kept on pushing it off, which helped me none.

But I was feeling so (literally) sick, that I decided over the weekend that as soon as people get back to business after the 4th of July weekend I must call and resolve this issue -because not doing so would kill me.

So I did at the first opportunity. All it tool was 20 minutes to find out that everything is A-OK. There is no problem. There never was. Yes there seems to be some discrepancy, but human error is not criminal. End. Period. Finished. Have a nice day sir.

So what was stopping me from doing this all along? I could have set myself free weeks ago!

It was my own mind. In certain areas, it holds me prisoner. I hope that I will be able to learn from others who have succeeded exactly how to set it free.

It's mammesh like FDR said: "...the only thing we have to fear is fear itself—nameless, unreasoning, unjustified terror which paralyzes needed efforts to convert retreat into advance.”

That's not the only lesson I learned from this experience, but hey -I'm rambling -I'll leave the rest for a different time.

E

ben durdayah wrote on 05 Jul 2011 20:43:



Not to long for me!  ... I even reached THIS line!  ;D

We are with you all along the journey to sanity!!!! 

Thanks Yossel!

BTW -has no one noticed my new look?

ben durdayah wrote on 05 Jul 2011 21:06:



We are ALL reflections of Guard!!!!!

we are in the midst of organizing a Protesting Possum Picket-line...

you might needs guards...

brave picketer #1

Yosef Hatzadik wrote on 05 Jul 2011 21:08:


Yes indeed.

The avatar change was inspired by these posts:

Helpfyi wrote on 30 Jun 2011 02:09:


ben durdayah wrote on 30 Jun 2011 17:59:



And as for your concern Zemmy:
ZemirosShabbos wrote on 05 Jul 2011 21:10:


Can't you see that I'm surrounded by them?  ;D

your original avatar guy...

looks like you should send him a Nanach truck or two

Those cute little critters had better be careful crossing the road...

Billy has had one too many and is bound to come racing down route 83W any second now with his souped up 73 Chevy pick-up (w/original replica "Stars and Bars" flag in the cabin window).

"To go or not to go, that is the question..."

(with apologies to) Bill S.

does not the saying go: when you gotta go you gotta go?