4/19/15 Observation ("Spring!" He thrilled)

Earlier this morning as I sat on the stoop in front of the house waiting for friends, a little boy, accompanied by an older girl, walked by. She looked to be about 13 or 14, and I'd place him to be around 5 or 6. They shared similar facial features, so even if they weren't brother and sister, it'd be safe to assume they were related. She held his left hand in her right and was slightly ahead of him in gait. His pacing seemed to say he was perfectly content with the arrangement, and I never got the feeling that she was trying to hurry him along. As they passed by, he suddenly reached out and exclaimed, "Oh look at those pretty flowers! They already grew!" He was pointing to some daffodils planted near the house. He seemed so thrilled to see them--his mannerisms, the expression on his face, his voice. His sister, smiling, paused for a moment, agreed with him and then continued leading him on their way. Upon spying another grouping of flowers, I heard him exclaim again, "Look!" And as they crossed to the other side of the street, he thrilled in a sing song manner, "Spring!"
I found myself thinking, 'Oh, I hope you'll always be delighted by such sights. And I hope your family and friends know how special you are.' Touched my heart😊

4/11/15 Observation (Kids Touching My Heart)

Earlier today, I was at the Botanical gardens. Lots of families were out and about. A little boy passed me as he was being pushed around in a stroller by an older male guardian. Suddenly, they stopped and the boy hurriedly climbed out of the stroller and ran towards another cluster of people making their way towards him. He ran right into the arms of two other children running towards him--two little girls. The eldest girl looked to be about 9 and the youngest around 5. The eldest girl caught him in a high hug, whilst the other made her way around him and embraced his lower body in a low hug. What's it like to bear witness to all that love, you might ask? Just gorgeous. Touched my heart. Totally smiled. With teeth showing grin emoticon

4/3/15 Entry ("Hello!" Between Strangers)

Just earlier today, a stranger smiled at me and said, "Hello", and I felt myself light up in return. When I thought of her later, it was with gratitude that our paths had crossed. And though our interactions in "real time" was brief, her openness in that moment, held the door open for mine to step through, and the effects of that energetic welcome was/is invaluable. I believe.