(Am I the only one with Julie Andrews’ “My Favorite Things” looping in my brain?)
Full disclosure: I have been dysthymic, a mild, persistent depressive mood disorder, for much of my life; it’s not debilitating and I’m not unhappy, but it does somewhat tamp down feelings of “undeniable happiness”. So, this prompt provides me with the opportunity, which I don’t often take, to reflect on my life.
Undeniable happiness is the unrestrained, unconditional hug of a grandchild. Arms wrapped snugly around my neck, warm little body snuggled into mine. The pure and honest, “I love you, Gammie”. Little puckered lips reaching up for a kiss, one last lovey before we have to leave. A happiness that begins the moment that newborn is placed in my arms; I gaze in wonder at the perfect miracle of this tiny human who I will grow to love more than life itself.
Undeniable happiness is the familiar, stable comfort of just doing life with my husband. The agony of colic, terrible twos, teenage drama, feelings of parental inadequacy, but then the thrill of loving interactions with those same kids, now successful, happy, wonderful adults. The challenges, the arguments, the impasses that really weren’t- because of the unshakeable commitment that never allowed the option of leaving. Knowing and being known, falling asleep in his arms and waking up with my best friend, hugs, back rubs, and goodbyes always sealed with a kiss, The companionship, trust, intimacy developed over 42 years is a priceless gift.
Undeniable happiness is family vacations every summer with adult children who actually want and expect that tradition to go on forever. The laughter, chaos, cousins, walks for ice cream, games, meals around tables pushed together so we all fit, margaritas enjoyed before 5:00.
Undeniable happiness is the joy and adventure of kayaking, not discovered until after retirement. The freedom of gliding movement, the exertion of paddling and the gratitude that I can, the delicious warmth of the sunshine on my body, water lilies and water birds, the satisfaction of (gracelessly) embarking and disembarking, without falling in- and the laughter when it doesn’t go as planned. My favorite kayaking companion, who is also my required “get the kayaks into the J bar racks on the car roof” strong man.
And, because I just couldn’t resist, with apologies to Julie:
Relaxing massages and Starbucks and friend chats,
Lingering foot rubs and cuddles with my cats,
Shopping with coupons and puns that go zing…
These are a few of my favorite things.
— cmshingle
Full disclosure: I have been dysthymic, a mild, persistent depressive mood disorder, for much of my life; it’s not debilitating and I’m not unhappy, but it does somewhat tamp down feelings of “undeniable happiness”. So, this prompt provides me with the opportunity, which I don’t often take, to reflect on my life.
Undeniable happiness is the unrestrained, unconditional hug of a grandchild. Arms wrapped snugly around my neck, warm little body snuggled into mine. The pure and honest, “I love you, Gammie”. Little puckered lips reaching up for a kiss, one last lovey before we have to leave. A happiness that begins the moment that newborn is placed in my arms; I gaze in wonder at the perfect miracle of this tiny human who I will grow to love more than life itself.
Undeniable happiness is the familiar, stable comfort of just doing life with my husband. The agony of colic, terrible twos, teenage drama, feelings of parental inadequacy, but then the thrill of loving interactions with those same kids, now successful, happy, wonderful adults. The challenges, the arguments, the impasses that really weren’t- because of the unshakeable commitment that never allowed the option of leaving. Knowing and being known, falling asleep in his arms and waking up with my best friend, hugs, back rubs, and goodbyes always sealed with a kiss, The companionship, trust, intimacy developed over 42 years is a priceless gift.
Undeniable happiness is family vacations every summer with adult children who actually want and expect that tradition to go on forever. The laughter, chaos, cousins, walks for ice cream, games, meals around tables pushed together so we all fit, margaritas enjoyed before 5:00.
Undeniable happiness is the joy and adventure of kayaking, not discovered until after retirement. The freedom of gliding movement, the exertion of paddling and the gratitude that I can, the delicious warmth of the sunshine on my body, water lilies and water birds, the satisfaction of (gracelessly) embarking and disembarking, without falling in- and the laughter when it doesn’t go as planned. My favorite kayaking companion, who is also my required “get the kayaks into the J bar racks on the car roof” strong man.
And, because I just couldn’t resist, with apologies to Julie:
Relaxing massages and Starbucks and friend chats,
Lingering foot rubs and cuddles with my cats,
Shopping with coupons and puns that go zing…
These are a few of my favorite things.
— cmshingle
I love this
ReplyDeleteThank you! I'm still singing that crazy song in my head!
ReplyDeleteLovely!
ReplyDelete