What brings a tear of joy to your eye?
Prompt for September 4, 2023
Babies. Especially babies being born—even in a movie or on TV–will get me every time. I love that moment when a new person joins the party here on earth. I always want to ask them, “Where did you come from? Who are you?” They arrive with untapped talents and gifts and personalities that they (and we) will spend a lifetime getting to know and appreciate. <sniff>
But I’m also a sucker for babies and little kids doing what comes naturally, doing things for the first time, and imitating what they’ve seen others do. You know, learning.
One of my favorite videos of my grown-up-too-fast granddaughter is her “reading” at age two or three. She’s on the floor, on her belly, ankles crossed, wearing plastic high-heels turning the pages of Good Night Moon. With her finger to her lips, she says, “Hush” on each page. <sniff>
Of course, she wasn’t “reading,” but that book had been read to her so often that she could mimic the act. She pretended to read. And soon she really did!
Because I taught reading for much of my career, I understand the importance of early exposure to books. So the miracle of a kid making those connections and learning to read still brings tears to my eyes. That’s why I became a Reading Grandma and spend time every week at a local preschool reading with four-year-olds. Sure, I want them to have the best possible start to a life of learning, but it gives me such joy to see their little brains at work and see them making even baby steps toward literacy. I have the privilege of seeing the lights come on. <sniff>
I also cry at stories that feature reunions of family, friends, or lovers. Or all three. The profound joy of reconnecting after separation gives me all the feels. <sniff> That’s one of the reasons I wrote my novel, Us, Now and Then. If you like those stories too, you might want to read it. <hint, hint>
I wrote about other reasons for tears a few years ago here, Why I carry a hanky…
I wish you only happy tears today. Take care. XO
Lorie Smith Schaefer 