Little things are really big things in disguise

Robert Brault is an American author who you may not have heard of, but you have definitely heard some of his quotes.

I ran across one of them the other day that resonated with me: “Enjoy the little things in life for one day you may look back and realize they were the big things.”

I think that is so true. When my sister passed away there finally came a moment a couple of years later when I realized I had finally reached the “acceptance” stage of grief. Finally I wasn’t as sad anymore. I had an epiphany that she wouldn’t want me to be sad all the time. That moment of clarity was one of those little things that truly was a big thing for me.

Okay so maybe that was a big thing. I’m sure everyone handles grief in his or her own way, but that’s the way it worked for me. And I’ve felt better ever since.

But there are a lot of little things that I’m thankful for.

Clean sheets. That first shower with a brand new bar of soap. The first shave with a new razor. That first sip of tea or coffee when it’s finally not too hot and just the right temperature.

After my grandmother Cooke died, my grandfather Cooke used to eat with us after church every Sunday. He always made us laugh. As we all grew older and our wits were sharpened a bit we’d try to make him laugh too. The dinner table has always been the place in our family where the funniest stories are told. Those little memories hold a special place in my heart.

Good food. Trying a new recipe and it turns out to be as good as it sounded like it would be. Or winging it in the kitchen and it still turns out good. Fresh fruit and veggies. Good iced tea. Mom’s shortbread and many other dishes she makes for us with lots of love. My sister-in-laws’ (both of them) Mexican food. Good food cooked by someone else is always a little thing for me because I didn’t have to make it. And the size of my plate is always a big thing.

Nieces and nephews. Newborns are always a little scary to me, but when they are not quite so helpless I enjoy them. Watching them grow up and turn into adults with smart mouths and interesting brains.

Pets. Unconditional love. When they come lie next to you. When they jump around and get all excited when you walk through the door. The noises they make when they sleep. They way they expose their bellies when sleeping which is a sign they feel totally safe thereby making you a good pet parent.

Moving back in with your octogenarian parents at age 56 (or how ever old I am) and noticing how totally in love they still are after all these years. Hearing them giggling like they just started dating. Total devotion and taking such good care of each other. Did you take your evening pills? Receiving a glass of wine or another cup of hot tea without having to ask for it. Automatically knowing whether to bring honey or jelly to the table for toast.

Moving back to your hometown and everything turning out to be even better than you thought it was going to be. Getting involved in organizations that care about our little town and are trying to make it better.

Always be thankful for little things.