Stop, Look, and Love

By Marcus Sheridan

In today's fast paced world where we seem to be always on the go, it can sometimes be too easy to forget to stop and appreciate the little things. Unfortunately though, it's the little things in life that can often bring us the most joy. I was reminded of this recently, and so if you'll allow me to indulge over the next few paragraphs, I'll hopefully express my thoughts clearly on a recently experience in my life .

On a typical work day, I will leave my house before the wife and children have woken up. I'm the type of guy who doesn't need long to get ready. About 3 minutes to shower and another 5 to get dressed, and I'm ready to go. And that's really how my personality is. I typically walk fast, talk fast, eat fast and think fast. Sometimes this character trait is nice to have, and other times it can cause me to miss out on the beauty found within my surroundings. As I mentioned about my mornings, I usually walk quickly around the house and I'm gone before anyone knows it. But one recent morning, as I was putting my belt on, I happened to be standing at the door, for what reason I'm not quite sure, of Danielle's room, my six year old daughter. This particular morning Danielle appeared to be on the brink of waking up. In fact, she brought a grin to my face as she proceeded to stroke her long brown hair as well as rub the palm of her hand against her nose as her eyes remained closed. It was rather amusing to watch as she continued this hair-stroke/ nose rub over the course of about two minutes. Next I did what I normally don't do in the mornings, and that's sit down at her bed and just take a moment to stare. Is there any greater beauty than that of one's daughter? I'd venture to say no. As I watched her from my seated position I couldn't help but to stoke her hair a few times and give her a kiss on the forehead. Her eyes then slowly opened and I was pleased to receive a welcoming and peaceful smile. I then told her I was going to work, she said that she would miss me, and then I kissed her goodbye.

I then left her room, finished getting quickly ready, and walked to the side house door where I put on my shoes, opened the door to leave, walked out into the fresh morning air, and slowly closed the door. But before I could get it completely shut, I heard running footsteps coming through the house. To my surprise, it was Danielle, and with an unforgettable smile and her arms reached forward, she reached up and leapt into my embrace. She then squeezed my neck hard a few times, gave me one of those big 'kid' kisses, and said, "I love you Dad." Joy rushed into my heart as I could feel the sincerity that can only be felt from a child in their own words. Although I didn't want to let go, the work day was beckoning, and so again we said our goodbyes and parted ways. I couldn't help but to grin from ear to ear as I entered my truck and started to pull out our driveway. But just when I was half-way down the drive, I felt I needed to look back at the house. As I turned around, there again stood Danielle, watching now from her bedroom window as her father was leaving for the day. She wasn't able to see me from how the truck was posisitioned, but if she had of, she would have watched tears pour down a grown man's face as he contiplated the joys of parenthood, and the innocence of children. In the choice, simple moments of such happiness I have always been left with a desire to be a better person, husband and father. And although I might fall terribly short at times, I know that such moments are often missed simply because we so often forget to stop, look, and love…….May you all have a wonderful end to your summer with your friends and family.

Sincerely,

Marcus Sheridan