TROGDOR'S MONDAY THOUGHTS #14

I spent the last week in Mexico, enjoying a warm respite from the miserable tail end of a particularly brutal Canadian winter.

One afternoon, after conquering the literary obstacle course that is Moby Dick (Seriously that book is dense and often needlessly meandering... Still, 10/10, genuine masterpiece) I sat back, sipped on my Pina Colada and found myself considering the lone palm tree that sprouted from the beach below, extending ten feet up past the pool lounge area.

The sight of that palm tree, or any palm tree for that matter, summoned a real emotional response in my heart. A feeling of happiness, and relaxation, for what flora more ubiquitously represents the setting of a tropical paradise. If you're from the North, like I am, and in a place where palm trees grow you're likely having a good time.

As I contemplated the palm tree, I had the thought that, though the palm tree means so much to me, it's completely unaware of this emotional impact it has on those who view it. Which, yes, of course it's unaware, it's a tree lacking sapient thought, but still it made me consider other parts of my life with a similar paradigm.

We all have those things in our lives that mean something to us, and contrarily are completely oblivious to that impact they have on us. Maybe it's that one same cashier whenever you stop for your morning coffee. Maybe it's the weird guy at your local comic book store. Maybe it's a ridiculous car that you see driving around your town, or a big floofy dog that makes you smile whenever they're on a walk around your neighborhood.

At the same time, it's very likely, or in fact a guarantee, that you are that to someone. You, for whatever reason, hold an unexpected role in someone's life. Maybe you're the person they look for at the station to make sure they didn't miss their train. Maybe you're the person with the big floofy dog that brings so many smiles. Maybe you're more important than you thought you were to someone you've never met.

So, here's to all the palm trees in our lives, and to you who is likely a palm tree to someone you've never met.

I'll finish by saying that each and every one of you is a palm tree to me, and I'm grateful and honored to perhaps be a palm tree for you.

-TROGDOR297