To The Little Things
I was asked by someone if I only write sad pieces. I thought in that moment. “Do I?” He goes further to say that the ones he read were sad and that he’d like to read something ‘sweet’. While my heart was so warmed that he actually read some of my pieces I took out time to rethink this claim.
I decided to write a letter to him just in case he stopped by another time. Let’s call him Blue-Eyed Man.
Dear Mr. Blue-Eyed Man,
I really should have chosen a shorter name but how else do I make you anonymous? You have unknowingly made a request and I must admit I’m not sure if I know how or where to start. Subconsciously, I began to think of all the things I considered sweet. Rainbows, sunshine, candies, hugs and flowers. The list goes on and on. I don’t know that what you meant was for me to write about these though. So, I came up with this instead.
June 2nd, 2023. Mr. Blue-Eyed man I saw love today. I saw love today when I went to get Froyos. Grey head guy and green scarf lady. The way they laughed, the way he held the small of her back, the light in her eyes as she stared at him. It made me giddy.
On the 8th of June, the birds closed from work today just as I left the office Mr. Blue. I didn’t have to ask if they had a great day because it didn’t matter. They were all together and singing happily. I wondered if that made up why they flew in a flock. Something like “together we will conquer the world”.
It was on the 18th of June, I re-watched a video of my nephew taking one of his first steps. It made me smile. My mind was taken back to the day he entered into the world. He was so tiny and new. A beautiful baby boy. Blue, now he runs around and attempts to bring down the house. I would always watch that video. I would always smile when I do and I would always be reminded that time keeps on moving, it refuses to wait. It however leaves us with capsules to store our simple yet special moments.
Finally on the 21st of June, I woke up that morning and I wanted to stay in bed Mr. Blue but I couldn’t. I wanted a lazy day. It was a Wednesday that day but I wanted to lazy around till Monday the next week. No, I wasn’t feeling very sweet. But I showed up. I took a shower and snapped myself out of it. I worked really hard, I had the best conversations with my friends, I had my favorite kind of Pizza and the weather was just what I needed. The kind that rewards you with amazing sleep. It was a good day.
Dearest Blue, these are a few of the sweet things I came across in the last month. I do not think I only write sad pieces. However, I was happy to write this one. Thank you for making me intentional. Thank you for enabling me pay attention. To appreciate the ‘sweet’ things life carefully sets before us. It really is in the little things. Thank you. I hope whenever you make it here again. It brightens your day.
Love always,
Valerie.
Wherever you are, be all there.
– Jim Elliot
