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If You Can’t Take Care of a Plant, Then Don’t Have Kids!

Published on June 7, 2008
By Mark Sahm

I may as well confess that the only other living organism in the Somrod household has officially kicked the bucket. Yes, I am referring to our lime tree, which was highlighted in previous posts here and here, in better days obviously.

After we moved out of our apartment, the lime tree just never adapted to life in the Somrod townhouse, consistently dropping more and more leaves each month. Equally, it went through many battles with scales, that took a lot of energy from the little tree. In an attempt to jumpstart the lime tree’s health, S.Rod repotted it with new soil. Then we put it in the sunniest spot in the house.

That proved to be the kicker. All of the remaining leaves fell off within a week and a month later, the tree’s body and limbs were as dry as a bone. We finally conceded defeat today and planted some flowers in the large green ceramic pot that had held it. Fare thee well, limey.

Of course, you could say, “Dude, it’s a plant, big deal. Buy another.” This is true, but it does point out to me that if I am not even responsible enough to help take care of a plant, then why would I ever think about taking care of a child?

While I suppose that most parents out there are probably not that much more responsible than me, at least I am in full acknowledgment of this fact before I would ever even consider reproducing. That’s all.

But maybe I will buy us a new lime tree after all. The jury is still out on the relevance of a sequel. Cheers.



5 Responses to “If You Can’t Take Care of a Plant, Then Don’t Have Kids!”

  1. Josh Says:


    Visit Josh

    The fact that you’ve put this much thought into it probably makes you better prepared and more qualified than most of the people who have kids, whatever you decide. Parents I know have all told me you’re never ready, so the best you can do is be prepared to be unprepared. You’ve done some thinking in advance. That’s a start.

  2. Mark Sahm Says:


    Visit Mark Sahm

    Well put. But all the same, nothing could be more frustrating to me than entering into an endeavor unprepared. No thanks. I’ll stick to podcasts, paintings, and cost-effective basement solutions!

  3. Josh Says:


    Visit Josh

    Understood. We’ve opted to not have kids so I definitely understand. It’s something that does merit some forethought and I gotta believe it’s not for everybody. I obviously don’t think it’s for me.

  4. Denise Says:


    Visit Denise

    You didnt know that I religiously read your blog- did ya?
    I just wanted to say that I am 6 months pregnant and have yet to keep any type of plant arrive- so you cant use your black (NON-green thumb) as an excuse!!!
    But then again- I do have a dog….

  5. Mark Sahm Says:


    Visit Mark Sahm

    You guessed it— keeping a dog alive, well-fed and well trained (in your case!) for more than 2 years cancels out the plantkiller factor. So I think you’re safe! :wink: But since I have no dog, I can make no such assumption. (You knew I’d counter with that.)

    As for the religious reading, how come that does not include religious commenting?


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