Golden days arrive as small surprises rather than big storms, in a grandchild's ebullient smile, in the play of shadows and colors I notice often as I am able to take a leisurely walk in the front yard, in the admiration I feel for the gift my granddaughter has been. My own children receiving gifts, and giving gifts.
These moments are both temporary and long in coming.
They are surprises and hopes anticipated for a lifetime.
And unlike big events like graduations and weddings, they may be forgotten tomorrow.
Yet, these are the moments that truly grace our human soul; these are the moments that tell us how beautiful and rich our lives are.
And we appreciate them simply because we see the end of our path approaching, a milestone that will be our last one.
We think of graduations as stepping off one stage and climbing up on another, all the while full of hope, cussedness, confidence. Each moment in the limelight feels like something we are entitled to, the fanfare, the adulation, the perfect rhythm of life just aligned for our pleasure. We hardly know anything about the stage we leave behind before entering another.
Life is full of mileposts, first graduation, first love, first marriage, first job, first child, first illness, first loss....
Each milepost allows us a day in the sun when the concert goes off without a hitch; when sights and sound, weather and transportation, food and entertainment all are delivered with a masterful hand as augury for an occasion everyone looks forward to.
Never do we think that mileposts were also mothers' and fathers' and teachers' mileposts. They took all the right steps, paid all the costs, smoothed all the paths so these mileposts became full celebrations for us.
As I enjoy the smiles and giggles of a new grandchild, the beauty and talent of a graduating granddaughter, the gift of family, at these moments, aware of the intricacies of connections and experiences, I'm appreciative of all the gifts I have been bestowed in my lifetime.
20 comments:
Lovely post, and what a cutie, made me smile.
And those are the greatest gifts of all... ♥
Well said; too often we take these gifts for granted.
Wise lady. Not everyone (sadly) comes to this realization.
smiles...enjoy that new grand...so many firsts....but then again they each become special no matter their order....
Rosaria you have such a wonderful way with words, what a moving post. Thankyou also for your comment this evening on my photography blog, so pleased you like my latest idea. :)
"I have never felt more grounded as I feel now."
I loved reading that. Made the rest of the piece even more rewarding to read. I'm grateful for you!
I love when the joy comes in the form of those sweet smiles and cheeks you just want to squish! Congrats on this happy time in life...for today and every good day. Take care Rosaria and thanks for this lovely, uplifting post!
I promise i will teach my grandson about to be born how to swear in 3 languages. It will be a highlight of my life and a tribute to my father who taught me the same.
how utterly lovely. i breathed in your words and wisdom here, just now.
i have babies in my life now too and i quite understand every word you've said.
thank you.
love
kj
What a wonderful post, Rosaria. I've definitely enjoyed this six months with my precious Harper. It's been joyful seeing her grow and learn. Of course, her favorite word at almost fifteen months is "mine, mine". Where did she get that? I must remind her from time to time that, "No, this is MINE."
Her laugh is so delightful and infectious and she is such a mimic. I will be heading back to India the end of July for four months. I hope she doesn't forget her Nana in that time. My son is not so great about staying in touch on skype. I may have to threaten him!!!
Yes....... our life is definitely a milestone but no matter what is happening to us, there are little pleasures on the way.... and having a grand child is an enormous pleasure!
Maggie x
Nuts in May
Oh my what a beautiful and thoughtful little essay. The part about those small moments in life particularly struck me....:)
Beautiful thoughts. Like you, I also appreciate life to the full. Thanks.
Greetings from London.
Enjoyed your post. I am 66 and my first grandchild is due June 29. I can hardly wait for this next stage. We will be grandparents 1000 miles away but will find a way to keep the airways hot! Sandra
I love that. We do graduate every day and wouldn't it be lovely if we could celebrate it as such?
I enjoyed your post Rosaria, I look with wonders at what my next milepost would be
So true. I have my granddaughters this summer staying with me. There are wonderful little moments that make my heart leap because I know this special time with them is fleeting. It is a gift...and I try to remember that when I'm stubbing my toes on some toy that has been left on the floor or doing my fifth load of laundry in one day...it's a gift!
What beautiful words, Rosaria, you bring tears to my eyes.
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