u/GildedBurd

Alright, back in 2009, I went down to New Orleans as a part of a Christian Youth Gathering.

I was in my early teens, and came from Minnesota with a milquetoast background. I knew nothing of Vodou and came upon a practitioner of New Orleans Vodou.

Most of what I knew was the Disney scary stories, but this woman was nothing of which. She was damn near motherly to everyone.

I walked into a building, thinking it was another shop. To my surprise, nothing was being sold. I asked the woman opperating this place what it was.

She told me its a house of God. Then I was curious, and she said she practices vodou.

I asked her if she worships the devil. She smiled and told my naive self, "Child, the devil is a white man with a business suit and a pen."

I reflected on what she said for many years, and have grown much. I now see what she meant... Its wicked and true.

If she perhaps sees this, one day, I want to thank her.

I've lived and lost. Her words were gospel I didn't understand at the time. So if she by chance is reading this... Thank you. You helped build my wisdom instead of fanning the flame of ignorance. I hope all who are reading this are well.

Please, keep surviving this world. You leave an impact on all you meet. Even if it's a grain of wisdom, it was her's.

Lately, I have been nose deep in my gardening and I have been researching fruit.

Then I came upon the Citron tree, and it's fruit and what it means to be "Etrog" quality. I actually gasped at how well cared for the trees are!

Now coming from a Minnesotan standpoint, whose soil is near hostile. This is like El Dorado of fruit cultivation.

I had no idea of such a fruit existing, yet alone the science of what even qualifies as being Etrog. (This is one of those times I love the internet.)

Max respect for all who grow such a tree. I'd have gone mad as a perfectionist.

Hats off to you cultivators! I aspire to be as talented and dedicated!