2010: Ordinary Joy
Ordinary Joy.
Our most profound joy is often experienced during ordinary moments. What was one of your most joyful ordinary moments this year?
(Author: Brené Brown)
I’ve had several really good moments but the one that stands out to me most, and maybe because it was so recent, was recently when the kids slept over at my house.
I don’t remember what we were talking about, but somehow it got around to Esther talking about singing in some Christmas presentation in kindergarten. I have attended a lot of Esther’s school functions but I didn’t remember going to that one. I told her that I didn’t think I had been there.
She looked at me and said, “Well, we weren’t as close back then.”
I tried not to smile too much (she gets upset if she thinks you are laughing AT her).
She then said that now that we live so close together (they live less than a mile from me) we are able to do more things and spend more time together and we’ve gotten closer. Then she kind of backed up saying we WERE close back then but just not AS much.
Listening to her talk about how close we are and how much she likes having me around for her special events and activities – as well as every day things – just touched me. I’ve said before how much I love being an aunt, but I really can’t put it into words. Children are full of joy and being around them you just can’t help but feel it, too. And to have a child so sweetly talk about being “close” to you.. it was the most simple and beautiful joy I can imagine. I couldn’t love those kids more if they were my own.
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5 comments
It’s too bad you can’t be close to all of your nieces, but it’s awesome that you are close to the nieces and nephew there.
I know. Miriam and I were talking about that last week. It is unfortunate, but I’m glad they have people like Sam and the other relatives up there who can kind of fill that role in.
I enjoy the time we do have together but it’s sad to know the relationships aren’t the same. I guess that’s just the way life is. I hope they know that I love them just as much, even if I don’t know them as well.
That is true. I’m glad that when we do come down to visit you always make time for Cadi to have special time with you.
That is a precious moment. Having kids tell you in their own words what you mean to them is priceless.
*warm fuzzies*