While out for a walk with my grandchildren it occurred to me that the little things in which they marvel become commonplace all too soon.

As we strolled we talked of why the grass is not so green in winter, why most flowers begin blooming in the Spring and how many worms a robin must eat in a day to survive (that I must admit, was a tough question). Did I know how beautiful a dandelion is or that a buttercup must be the tiniest flower ever? Why do some trees have leaves and others needles? How do you know if a caterpillar is still living in his cocoon? I delighted in being asked if the sun was older than me.

It has never ceased to amaze me how children universally relish the simple things in life. Curling up with a good book or building sand castles just close enough to the waters edge for them to be washed away. Colored chalk drawings on a driveway which bring tears when the rain washes a masterpiece away. Squeals of delight when bubbles appear from a bubble wand and excitement when that duck at the park wants their piece of that almost stale bread. The wonderment when a rainbow appears is something to behold and the care taken to produce that piece of art which hangs on the refrigerator is second to none.

I am blessed to have been surrounded by children most of my adult life and could think of nothing more fulfilling than their first recitation of the alphabet or repeating that often told nursery rhyme, no wait, maybe it was when they learned their numbers or colors or perhaps it has been just the open, uncluttered minds they exhibit.

Tomorrow perhaps I will return for a while to the stories of politics, prejudice and pundits but for today I would prefer to admire that bouquet of dandelions still thriving in an old jelly glass which were gathered with love.

Written by Sue

3 Responses to “Simple pleasures”

1. ~J~ says:

   April 16, 2007 at 10:46 pm

   Being with children as they discover the beauties of nature is such a special time.
2. Louise says:

   April 16, 2007 at 11:55 pm

   Nice article. No man (or woman) stands so tall as when he (or she) bends to help a child.
3. Sue says:

   April 17, 2007 at 12:11 am

   Thanks Louise. I hope you come back and visit often.