Once upon a time there was a wise man who used to go to the ocean to do his writing. He had a habit of walking on the beach before he began his work. One day he was walking along the shore. As he looked down the beach, he saw a human figure moving like a dancer. He smiled to himself to think of someone who would dance to the day. So he began to walk faster to catch up.

As he got closer, he saw that it was a young man and the young man wasn’t dancing, but instead he was reaching down to the shore, picking up something and very gently throwing it into the ocean.

As he got closer he called out, “Good morning! What are you doing?”

The young man paused, looked up and replied, “Throwing starfish in the ocean.”

“I guess I should have asked, why are you throwing starfish in the ocean?”

“The sun is up and the tide is going out. And if I don’t throw them in they’ll die.”

“But, young man, don’t you realize that there are miles and miles of beach and starfish all along it. You can’t possibly make a difference!”

The young man listened politely. Then bent down, picked up another starfish and threw it into the sea, past the breaking waves and said- “It made a difference for that one.”

(author unknown)

Dad: TYPING IN ALL CAPS IS SO COOL
Taylor: I KNOW
me: IT SAYS I MEAN BUSINESS
Taylor: IT MAKES IT HEARD
me: FIERCE
Dad: TO THINK… ALL THESE YEARS I’VE BEEN COMMUNICATING IN LOWER CASE.
Taylor: NOW WE ARE LIKE A MOB

We had a little love affair during the summer, it’s no secret. But while I was distracted with the thirst-quenching, delicious flavors you were bringing to the table, you were robbing me blind. We parted ways when the leaves started changing, and for awhile I was holding up alright, but life just isn’t the same without you. Your healing antioxidants are needed now. Not to mention I could use a new set of glasses for college in the fall. So please, forgive me. Since we’ve split I’ve gotten a job, so I think I can afford your luxurious lifestyle.