The Starfish Story

MM found three red spots on my body after bath today. As usual, after my furs had dried up, MM applied the antiseptic cream on the spots, just like how those Jie Jies apply pimple cream on the bumps. :P

Looking at my red spots now, I suddenly remember a story told by MM when I was suffering from a serious fungal/yeast infection last year. It was The Starfish Story by Loren Eiseley (1907 - 1977).

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, as he was walking along the shore, he looked down the beach and saw a human figure moving like a dancer. He smiled to himself at the thought of someone who would dance to the day, and so, he walked faster to catch up.

As he got closer, he noticed that the figure was that of a young man, and that what he was doing was not dancing at all. The young man was reaching down to the shore, picking up small objects, and throwing them into the ocean.

He came closer still and called out "Good morning! May I ask what it is that you are doing?"

The young man paused, looked up, and replied "Throwing starfish into the ocean."

I must ask, then, why are you throwing starfish into the ocean?" asked the somewhat startled wise man.

To this, the young man replied, "The sun is up and the tide is going out. If I don't throw them in, they'll die."

Upon hearing this, the wise man commented, "But, young man, do you not realize that there are miles and miles of beach and there are starfish all along every mile? You can't possibly make a difference!"

At this, the young man bent down, picked up yet another starfish, and threw it into the ocean. As it met the water, he said, "It made a difference for that one."

For the same reason, MM was encouraging me to be more positive in facing my skin condition. The starfish actually serves as a reminder that by having the faith, it would make a great difference in whatever we do for ourselves or others. I believe I will be recovered fully in no time and be a happy, carefree (no more elizabeth collar!) Frankie soon again. Yes, I believe that. But somehow I do wonder at times - does a starfish taste good too?