Several years ago at Easter while visiting with some family and friends, I was commiserating with my friends Brianna and Tyrell* about our life stages. When someone brought up the old saying about being fed with a silver spoon, the conversation took off. We began to divide those who were at our gathering into the haves and have nots, giving names to the privileged and the shafted.
The Diamond Spoon - an elite few who have no cares because life magically provides for them.
The Golden Spoon - life is great, but no carte blanche.
The Silver Spoon - life is good.
The Pewter Spoon - life could be better.
The Charcoal Spoon - Life is hell-bent on destroying the individual. The rare silver lining of any dark cloud is actually a lightning bolt that will seek out the indiviual like a lightning rod.
Several years have passed. After a painful break-up, Brianna has met the man of her dreams and will be married at the end of this year. She almost has her masters degree. Tyrell graduated college, now owns a car and works an amazing full-time job. He even ended up with the girl he could never get over.
Me? I've managed to rack up a considerable amount of school debt. My graduation date was just pushed back due to unforeseen circumstances, my 20 year-old 200000 mile auto was hit twice by two different people, I got two cracks in the windshield the same week and I can't afford to fix anything, and the one girl that I did care for pulled the "just friends" card.
I'm not complaining. I'm just explaining the life of a charcoal spooner. I'm sure I won't be here forever; but for now, I exist for you to laugh at and thank your lucky stars that your life is not like mine. And if you happen to find yourself on the wrong end of the charcoal spoon, know that there is someone out there that can empathize.
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*Not actual names
