| THE EPISTOLARIAN |
Do you come from a family that embodies the "all's well" ethos? In my own family, it's a common practice to discuss how smoothly things are going, even during challenging times. A couple of years ago, I decided to catch up with my parents over the phone. Everything appeared to be in order until I rang my sister, who broke the news that our father was scheduled for heart surgery. Thankfully, the procedure was successful (truly), but it underscored the tendency within our family to emphasize that things are going swimmingly, even when they might not be.
Doesn't this sound familiar in your own family as well?
There's a story that perfectly illustrates the way "all's well" narratives tend to unfold...
Once upon a time, in a quaint countryside, a farmer returned to his cherished farm after an extended absence. Filled with anticipation, he turned to his trusted foreman upon his arrival at the train station to inquire about the state of affairs.
With an air of reassurance, the foreman replied, "All's well."
The farmer, relieved, probed further, "So, no significant issues to report then?"
The foreman hesitated briefly before divulging, "Well, all's well, except the dog died."
Shock and sorrow filled the farmer's heart. "But he was perfectly healthy when I left! How on earth did he meet his end?"
The foreman explained, "It was a tragic tale of the canine. He fell ill after consuming some charred horse flesh."
The farmer, now bewildered, questioned, "Charred horse flesh? Where did he find charred horseflesh."
With a heavy sigh, the foreman confirmed, "From your horses that died in the barn fire."
The farmer's face turned pale. "A barn fire? What ignited my barn?"
The foreman replied, "It was a stray ember, escaping from a house fire."
The farmer, wide-eyed, asked in disbelief, "A house fire? My entire house was in flames?"
The foreman nodded gravely, "Indeed, sir. A candle, left unattended after a funeral, set the drapes ablaze, consuming the entire house."
The farmer's voice trembled, "A funeral? Who met their end?"
With a solemn tone, the foreman answered, "It was your mother, sir."
The farmer gasped, "My mother?"
The foreman continued, "Yes, sir, she passed away, heartbroken and consumed by grief."
The farmer, now overwhelmed by the succession of tragic events, could hardly speak. "Grief...? My wife left, didn't she?"
With a knowing nod, the foreman concluded, "Indeed, sir. She packed her belongings and departed..."
Seal of the Week: All's Well
This is a rebus seal, a delightful puzzle that blends words and symbols. In this particular seal, "All's" ingeniously merges with the image of the well, conveying the reassuring message that "all's well."
This wax seal, with its intricate design and clever wordplay, serves as a constant reminder of our resilience during challenging times. It encourages us to delve deeper than surface appearances, discovering strength, hope, and well-being in every situation. In truth, "all's well" when we approach life with a positive and determined spirit, drawing from the wellspring of optimism that resides within us.
To a lovely week ahead,