Introducing a new term: Cluey. Let’s delve into its meaning.

A reminiscence from my father about his childhood involving his father, my beloved late grandfather, sparked the inception of this concept. It was a simple story about a family activity on a weekend day, where my grandfather brought the game Clue home. Eagerly, he invited my father and his sister, then ages 7 and 9, to play. They were about to commence when the doorbell interrupted the game. Without a second thought, my dad and aunt abandon the game to play outdoors with their friends.

Years later, my father recollected this incident and experienced a profound sense of regret. He imagined his father sitting alone at the table, dejectedly clearing the game pieces. The image haunted my father. This peculiar sensation of intense empathy for those ordinary yet somber moments is something I, too, grapple with.

It’s a feeling of heart-wrenching compassion for individuals in seemingly inconsequential situations. My father shared this tale to illustrate this strange emotional response. It was heartbreaking to witness my grandfather’s anticipation turn into disappointment as his children chose their friends over him.

Despite my grandfather’s experiences in World War II, the solitude he felt that day resonated deeply. Fast forward to the present day, haunted by these memories:

It’s not an isolated incident. The notion of making 12 burgers for six grandchildren, only to have one show up—an embodiment of clueyness. This heart-wrenching scenario plunges one into a maze of emotions.

The tale continues: preparing each patty with care, assembling the ingredients, possibly crafting special recipes, and culminating in a lonely dinner, wrapping uneaten burgers or discarding them. The conflicting emotions of rejection and loneliness pervade the narrative.

Human interactions, like the one with the FedEx man, are also laden with clueyness. A fleeting moment of refusing help led to a lasting impact on the man’s demeanor. Despite his probable quick forgetfulness, the memory lingered for years.

Clueyness manifests in various scenarios, from forgotten board games to unattended cookouts and unnoticed art exhibits. The weight of these miniature heartbreaks defies their actual impact, leaving an enduring imprint.

Although irrational, clueyness brings forth excruciating pain, as felt in the aftermath of unintentional social slip-ups. The burden of clueyness remains a constant as life unfolds.

Despite this emotional rollercoaster, a glimmer of hope emerges in stories like that of the “Sad Papaw,” where strangers rallied to alleviate the sorrow.

If you find yourself immersed in clueyness, explore other Blue Jay Blog posts for deeper reflections:

_______

To stay updated on Blue Jay Blog, subscribe to our email list or support us on Patreon.