Since June 14, 1989 I’ve had a fear of peaches.
I was working in advertising in New York and sent to do consumer research on Peachtree Industrial Boulevard in Atlanta.
Peachtree Boulevard!
To a kid from Queens, this brought images of ripe peaches bouncing on branches of happy trees lining the streets. I could pick as many as I liked just by reaching my hand out from the car – which, in my mind was, naturally, a convertible.
Peaches have always had a tender spot in my heart. I could see my mother slicing them for my school lunch, cutting out the dark, soft spots, slipping them, wet, gold and glistening, into the plastic bag that she knotted.
But that idyllic, memory-sweetened relationship came to an end as a white garbage truck heading south on Peachtree Industrial Boulevard suddenly crossed over three lanes, drove over the beautifully groomed grass divider and, in dreamlike slow-motion, crashed into the rental car I was driving northbound.
I came to on the south side of Peachtree, my glasses never to be found, my head bleeding from the broken windshield. I was taken by ambulance to the hospital where I was examined and later released, miraculously unscathed, save for my fear of peaches. I never had one again. Just the sight would bring back the accident full force – the compression of the impact, smells of the cars on fire. I could drive without issue but the sight, the thought, of peaches made me feel ill.
Ah, but now my sad fruit story takes an uplifting turn.
Lois received a package from The Fruit Company the other day with the words, “Perishable! Refrigerate Immediately!” She wasn’t home, so I unwrapped it and on the cover of the box inside was the most lovely watercolor of peaches. I was presented with the image of what had become painful in the brushstrokes of kindness and sweetness. I felt that feeling – not the sick one but the summery, glowy, light, pre-accident peaches feelings. Maybe it was the painter’s view that let me see again?
I tentatively lifted the cover to face down the peaches in the raw. There were rows of them, plumper, larger-than-life, real peaches, sitting roundish and smiley in their white foam mesh cups, wrapped in blankets of leafy party wrapping paper.
So there I was: Adam. Did I dare bite into the fruit of my waking nightmare, my threatened mortality?
I looked over at the watercolorist’s impressions: so inviting, gentle. I picked a big fatty and washed it, bathed it under the cool water from the sink and heard a voice warning me to be cautious, take it slowly, just slice a miniscule piece. But instinct had me bite wide, through the crisp skin, then into the firm, yielding fruit.
Deliciousness, juiciness, hominess, peachiness! All that I imagined those dancing trees would yield as I headed to Atlanta years ago.
Better.
Not because of the time away, or because memories of my caring mom, but because good peaches are just that good! And while my mind can make up stories that they were akin to the car crash, my mouth said they were just pure, nurturing, heavenly fruit.
I finished that peach off with nothing less than lust, a hunger beyond. And I waited for Lois to come home to a healed man, a brave man with a sticky face.
Hooray for you! And now you are forever indebted to that artist for this delicious addition to your summer fruit lineup and I need a peach!!!
Thanks Teresa – the box is yummy, so’s the fruit.
I love your writing Michael. Glad you got over your “peach” thing and enjoyed a big juicy one.
Thanks Madge – I’m over the fear and onto like my 8th big juicy peach!
Love the last line…came home to a healed man with a sticky face! Glad to know you conquered healing with peaches! We live in the Midwest fruit belt…I just made some luscious peach salsa with lime juice and jalapeño Yummo:)).
Ellymay – thanks and pass that zesty salsa over here!
So proud of you, Michael, conquering your fears against the mighty peach. No wonder Lois is head over heels in love with you.
Fun post!
Thanks Cathy – it’s good to have peaches back in my life (mouth) – as far as why Lois loves me – that’s still a happy mystery 🙂
So glad you survived the accident and recovered. Keep enjoying your peaches!
Thanks Onica – I agree and I will!
lol happy you came over your fear! i need to get me some peaches now!
Thanks Krystn – yeah round yourself some juicy guys and enjoy!
Woohooo well done you for over coming you fear! I can only image how hard it is – I don’t think I will ever get over my fear of moths x
Sarah – I guess fear comes in all forms but some just taste sweeter. Good luck with the moths – just think if them as drably adorned butterflies. Thanks!
Oh no, I would have had a fear of peaches after that too! Glad you were ok. And yay for enjoying peaches again! 🙂
Erika – Yeahhh peaches! Thanks for the support.
How fun for us to read from you, Michael, about your harrowing encounter with peaches. Glad you overcame all and learned to love the fruit.
Thanks- it was a long road and I feel I am about 30,000 peaches behind. But like all worthwhile journeys – I’ll take it one juicy bite at a time!
Wonderful story Michael! I love it!! It’s amazing what our mind can stifle and our heart can heal. Pretty cool isn’t it!?
Amy – you are so right! And it is so cool. Thanks!
Glad you’ve overcome your fear because nothing is better than a perfectly ripe peach! And Georgia peaches really are the best.
Connie – I share your bias for peaches – without an ounce of guilt! Thanks!
What a great story – so happy you’re able to enjoy peaches once again – they’re my favorite!
Sharon
Thanks. Favoritism is ok when it comes to peaches!
Well now I want peaches!! That being said, I’m so glad you survived the crash and so glad that you can eat those delicious peaches again 🙂
Kristin – thanks. Get ’em while they’re ripe!
WOOHOO, you did it…Being from South Carolina, I have always loved peaches and peach ice cream on a hot day…now that is something you need to try next 🙂
Cyndee – I am in! Thanks.
I’m glad you’re past your peach issues! They’re toooo yummy to harbor such ill feelings! 🙂 Good for you, sticky face!
A wonderful read … I truly enjoyed sharing your joy. It’s rare that we get to share another person’s important moments and accomplishments. Thanks, Michael. :-)
P.S. No need for another reply here. I just wanted to repeat my Google+ comment on the blog.
You are a sweety pie! Peach pie that is 🙂
Love this Michael! You always have me right there with you. This time I was smelling fuzzy peaches and rooting for you!
Kim- great to be peach pals with you!