Life can go by incredibly fast, and with each day that passes, I am trying to learn to appreciate the little things a bit more. Quality time spent with family is something I am beginning to treasure and cherish, and rather than becoming frustrated with things like long road trips stuck in the car for hours on end, I am starting to really soak in every minute I get to spend quality time with those I care about most in the world. This past week, I was able meet such incredible and extraordinary people and experienced some truly humbling circumstances. Rather than feeling inadequate in my achievements and accomplishments in life, I felt awestruck and inspired by the people I was fortunate enough to come into contact with and endured an emotional rollercoaster of joyous tidal waves. I think we all take for granted how precious our limited time in this world is, and sometimes we need little nudges and reminders to soak in every moment and seize each day as if it is our last. Love is such a complex and yet simple concept entwined all in one, and it simultaneously encapsulates so much wholesomeness and heartache together. The finite feelings we must deal with should be an everlasting reminder that the only thing we can be sure of is to spread as much of it as possible and ensure that in the end, the love we take is equal to the love we make.
My partner comes from stock of a different breed; as in his entire lineage and family history is be-speckled with heroic and valiant men, strong women, intelligent souls, brave beings, and loving families. We attended a reunion and commingled with war heroes, WWII veterans, skilled shooters, top level athletes, kind humans, and even a NASA astronaut. I have never been surrounded by a more talented and amicable group of people who are so willing to extend a hand and make anyone and everyone feel welcome. It really puts things into perspective when you see a large collective of people who have worked so hard and sacrificed so much without an air of grievance or complaint and really embrace the concept of living each day to its fullest. I know that I am very guilty of complaining over such trivial bullshit that in the long run, ranks pretty low on the scale of importance in life. It’s human nature to piss and moan and those that can conquer that ‘woe is me’ mentality are the people that will strive to make a difference and impact all of those around them. I must remember that every single day people face a number of obstacles, both big and small, that threaten to damper their moods and cause chaos and melancholy, but with the willpower to persevere and put things into perspective, there is very little the human mind won’t be able to conquer.
With Covid on the forefront of everyone’s minds, we are starting to see the effects of all the stringent protocols put in place in our day to day lives. Imagine being in a vehicle over 9 hours and driving across a multitude of states to be separated by glass. And this is with a “care” facility, not a state sanctioned prison. We visited my partner’s grandmother, and through thick windows, had to place a phone call in order to be heard. All she wanted was a visceral touch, a hug, a warm embrace, but alas, several inches of glass and concrete put a stop to that. The barriers we must face, both physical and metaphysical, are a reminder of the times we didn’t even give a hug a second thought. While I would never want to be a Typhoid Mary and spread a communicable illness to the vulnerable population, I can’t help but wonder if it’s all really worth it. I know the elderly in the aforementioned facility felt so panged with loneliness and isolation that the good majority of them would risk contagions and germs to feel their loved ones in their arms before it is too late. And if you have never watched a loving grandmother stare longingly at her first grandchild with such love and adoration albeit separated through a wall, then I implore you to understand how emotional of an experience it can be. My heart has never endured such a sweet, tender, and upsetting moment and it was all I could do to hold it together for long.
Family is truly one of the greatest blessings life has to offer, and whether it be blood born family or chosen family, I hope everyone alive has a chance to experience the love one can hold. I feel almost undeserving at the people who chose to accept me as if I had been around them my whole life and there is not a second that goes by that I don’t recognize how truly fortunate I am. My primary demonstrative love language is acts of service, and I especially like when I get to cook for those I love. To me, there is no better feeling than feeding and serving those I care about because I put so much of my heart into everything I make and want everyone around me to enjoy the fruits of my labor. Luckily, no one was opposed to daily home cooked breakfasts while on this mini family vacation, and it was such an honor to be able to prepare it all in my partner’s mother’s childhood home. The memories that must emanate from those walls is unreal, and it’s hard to believe so much history can exist in such a confined area. I even got to make some food for my partner’s grandma, and how I can bring her home made treats through a door but not see her in person is a topic I will debate for a different day. As someone who hasn’t seen nor visited the area they grew up for decades, it was a surreal experience to see where the family I love so dearly began. From first dates, to marriage location, to areas where fun experiences were shared, I was completely blown away. Plus, the kids got a kick out of visiting the Amish community and learning new things and making new memories together.
It’s the little things in life that cultivate who we are as a person and shape our mindset day in and day out. I know for a fact that I am a changed person having been able to have these experiences and meet and communicate with the people I did. I met a NASA astronaut who has accomplished so much in life and has made an everlasting footprint for the American people. I met a man who fought for our country in 2 different service branches, medaled on a national archery team, and despite losing both his legs in a combative accident, lives each day earning to make his mark. I met a man who served in the second world war, is thriving in his 90s, still works like a horse, and talks so lovingly of his late wife even to this day. And my partner and his parents, who have accomplished so much in life and yet are as humble as they come. What an honor to know these people and instill the respect I have for those wiser than me and who have endured countless experiences that most dare to never even dream of. I have a newfound appreciation for people and especially for those I am lucky enough to call family and love with every fiber of my being. Remember each day to impart some love on the world and never let time go by without telling those you care for them. Life is too short to let it pass by without spreading love like butter, and I will make sure the world is my biscuit and I will soak it into every layer of my environment.
