When we moved into our present house in 2003 we right away noticed a water leak in the basement. On further inspection by a repairman we discovered that the bath tub and the plastic surround had been incorrectly installed and thus the leak in the basement. We were faced with a choice of doing a patch up job or taking everything apart and putting the surround of the tub in correctly. We chose the quick and least expensive fix and with the use of plenty of caulk stopped the leak.
Now nine years later the inexpensive repair job failed. So now we were faced with a similar choice. However, our repair friend now is an excellent but seeks perfection in his work. So the choice now is to do a next to perfect repair job or take the surround of the tub down and finally do it right. We chose to take the next to perfect repair job. We will see how it works.
Being next to perfect was not easy for my friend who is doing the repair. He likes to do the job right and perfect as it can be. However, he is willing to live with next to perfect.
This experience reminded me of the rock musical “Next to Normal” about a family with a mother with a mental illness. In recovery she tells her daughter that she will be never be normal. Her daughter says ‘Next to Normal’ would be okay.
In life we strive for perfection but need to accept next to perfection. With our mental health we seek to be ‘normal’, whatever that is, but need to accept ‘next to normal’. As long as we do the ‘right thing’ ‘next to perfect ’ is okay with me.
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