THE BURNT TOAST

This story has been reposted in several blogs.

The story is beautiful and the lessons are meaningful.

When I was about eight or nine, my mom burnt some toast.


One night that stood out in my mind is when she had made dinner for us after a very long and rough day at work, she placed a plate of jam and extremely burned toast in front of my dad. Not slightly burnt but completely blackened toast.
I was just waiting to see if anyone noticed the burnt toast and would say anything. But Dad just ate his toast and asked me if I did my homework and how my day was. I don’t remember what I told him that night, but I do remember hearing my mom apologizing to dad for burning the toast. And I’ll never forget what he said: “Sweetie, I love burned toast.”


Later that night, I went to tell my dad good night and ask him if he really liked his toast burned. He put his arm on my shoulder and said, 
“Your momma put in a very long day at work today and she was very tired. And besides, a burnt toast never hurts anyone but you know what does? Harsh words!" 

Then he continued to say “You know, life is full of imperfect things and imperfect people. I’m not the best at hardly anything, and I forget birthdays and anniversaries just like every other human. What I’ve learned over the years, is that learning to accept each others faults and choosing to celebrate each others differences, is one of the most important keys for creating a healthy, growing, and lasting relationship. Life is too short to wake up with regrets. Love the people who treat you right and have compassion for the ones who don’t.”

(Author unknown)