 Donna
Gets it Right ----
2 - 1 -03
Big Mud Puddles and Yellow Dandelions
OK, I'm feeling sentimental. Maybe it's my longing
for warmer weather, thinking about fun plans for this
spring and going to the beach this summer.
A friend of mine sent me the following missive by email.
Most of the time, when I get lengthy, wordy things through
email, I'll glance over them quickly, but I rarely read
them. I don't have the time at work, since work is where
I check most of my email. I rarely have time to check
email from home. Time, time, time - there never seems
to be enough.
The following message caught me, though. It is simple,
sweet, and right on. I don't want to be one of those
people who looks back and wishes they had paid more
attention. I've always loved the song "Cats in
the Cradle" by Harry Chapin. When it came out in
1974, I was only 11. I liked the way it sounded and
sang along with the words, but I didn't get it. Now
that I get it, I don't want to forget it. This message
was a little reminder, just in case I forgot:
BIG MUD PUDDLES AND YELLOW DANDELIONS
When I look at a patch of dandelions, I see a bunch
of weeds that are going to take over my yard. My kids
see flowers for Mom and blowing white fluff you can
wish on.
When I look at an old drunk and he smiles at me, I
see a smelly, dirty person who probably wants money
and I look away. My kids see someone smiling at them
and smile back.
When I hear music I love, I know I can't carry a tune
and don't have much rhythm, so I sit self-consciously
and listen. My kids feel the beat and move to it. They
sing out the words. If they don't know them, they make
up their own.
When I feel wind on my face, I brace myself against
it. I feel it messing up my hair and pulling me back
when I walk. My kids close their eyes, spread their
arms and
fly with it, until they fall to the ground laughing.
When I see a mud puddle I step around it. I see muddy
shoes and dirty carpets. My kids jump in it. They see
dams to build rivers to cross and worms to play with.
Enjoy the little things in life, for one day you may
look back and realize that they were actually the big
things.
I wish you BIG MUD PUDDLES and SUNNY YELLOW DANDELIONS.
Until next time.........
Donna
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