Dear Lunch Peach,

Dear Lunch Peach,

You’re not an apple. I know that. You’re not built for my tough and reckless son’s lunch bag. You’re not designed for a day of being whipped around, bumped against school books and desks.

You are built to sway on a leafy branch, shaded by thick boughs, under the hot Georgia sun.

You’re soft. Tender. But sweet. You remind me of a lot of people I’ve met who don’t seem tailored to this world. Natural lights are too bright for them. Unnatural lights, the kind that are everywhere…are almost unbearable at times.

The sounds are too loud and too plentiful. Sounds stacked on sounds, all different, varying pitches, tempos, all at odds with each other. Sounds at war, a multitude of orchestras in mutiny, and you’re supposed to follow a conversation.

These people don’t think like others. It’s as if they’re missing The Manual everyone else read. Social cues are missed until social invitations stop coming.

People call these folks all kinds of things: Mean, stuck up (they’re not always the best at pleasantries or warm expressions), rude (blunt and sometimes too excited to realize they’re interrupting again), explosive (well if a t-shirt tag felt like a razor blade to you, you might lose it, too), and more.

But inside, to those who take the time, is a subset blush orange red and pink delight. You’d know these peop’e are always trying, always taking on challenges, always being brave, always pushing forward, trying again, and always learning, always healing.

Little Peach, this lunch bag might seem like a very bad idea. But there are plenty of paper towels, blankets if you will, all around. You’re at the perfect ripeness to make the journey. No, you’re not an apple, but you’re ready.

Just because you don’t always fit in doesn’t mean you aren’t needed. Just because you’re different doesn’t mean you’re bad. Just because you are unique doesn’t mean there’s not a place for you.

So go with strength & peace, peachy. Have the best day.

 Bunmi

P.S. I talked to the Honey Chex and it agreed to be your friend. It’s all good.

“I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Marvelous are Your works, and that, my soul knows very well.”

Psalm 139:14