Brandon likes to keep Olivia awake in the evening for selfish reasons like playing and spending time with his daughter. While, I, the crazy drill Sergeant who thrives off a schedule, insist she be bathed, fed, and knocked out by 8:30 P.M. I too, have selfish reasons for it. Yet, with a twinkle in daddy's eye, a big belly laugh from Olivia, and a smile from mommy, well, who am I to spoil those moments? After all, these are the moments we cherish most.
Last night, before preparing for bed, Brandon, Olivia, myself, and the pups were all laying around. We were catching up on our day, sharing stories, laughing, talking shit, typical Smith family stuff. During a couple moments of silence, Brandon, while looking at Olivia, says to me, "I was crying last night." I was shocked. This boy never cries! I proceeded to ask him, "Why? How come you didn't wake me," I said with a nervous giggle. "Is everything okay?" Olivia is teething and it's been fairly difficult on her. She hasn't been feeling her best and will periodically wake up in the middle of the night. Last night Brandon brought her in our bed after repeated attempts to calm her down. As a result, he couldn't go back to sleep so he hopped on the Internet to watch TV as he always does. He stumbled upon this video that was recorded shortly after the devastating earth quake in Haiti.
Before you read any further, make sure to watch this video in its entirety so you can understand my story. It's not just a great song. Pay attention to the children. Enjoy :)
With watery eyes, Brandon continues to tell me how lucky our daughter is. How blessed she is. With so much devastation all over the world we are so fortunate to have a happy, healthy, vibrant little girl with the means to put a solid roof over her head, food in her belly, and nice clothes on her back. As we watched the video above, together, Brandon pointed out all the happy children. He explained, these children have nothing and probably always had nothing and they are still so happy. He proved a very valid point. He also said, "My daughter has made me such a softy!" To which I replied, "Love, you were always mushy, she just brings it out of you." While it's true, Olivia has brought out an even more sensitive side in all of us, she has also made us more aware and sympathetic to other children and not just our own.
We don't dictate the lives we are born into. The children in this video were playing games with whatever was lying around, no shoes, some had no teeth, and bared a happier soul than people like us. We take for granted the life we lead in a country such as ours. While I have complained that I want a newer car, someone is just hoping that their 3-legged donkey gets them to work on-time. Shame on me! WE, all of US, are so lucky. We don't realize how blessed we are as a nation. While we are fortunate enough to look up at the stars, others have bombs to light up their sky. We have clean, bottled and/or tap water to drink and shower from, while others drink from a local river, well, or bucket. I'm sure they don't have a Bath and Body Works on every corner splashing us with floral scented anti-bacterial this and that's. We have a great nation that boasts education and technology, hybrid cars, air conditioning and heat, flat screen TV's, etc, etc. Yet, we have the audacity to complain we have nothing or not enough... Shame on all of us. Perhaps, we have too much and have become spoiled. Perhaps, it is time we take a look inside each of us and truly see it is not the stuff that keeps us living, it is the love, the passion ignited within us. Think about it...
Moreover, my husband and I continued our conversation about life and he said, "I just want to adopt one of these children. I want to rescue them and give them a better life." This among many reasons, is why I married this man. He knows I've always expressed an interest in adopting a child and for the first time, I think he felt the same way. While the future is unknown for the growing Smith family, I do know our hearts beat loudly and have the willingness to bring some outside love, in.
Lastly, remember to let love in, friends. Love is the reason for our existence. It keeps us passionate, hungry, and foolish. Take time to appreciate the small things. We all want nicer and newer things, however we mustn't forget all the beautiful things we already have in our lives, such as, each other. Give up buying things you don't need. Learn to manage your money wisely so your money doesn't control you. Live simply. We should not live in the past, as it is already forgotten. Instead, exist in the present. Today. Right now. Right here in this moment, is the only thing that is guaranteed. Finally, try to better the life of one person. You may change their whole world. While it may not be the whole world, it is one world. Start small. Start now. Have a beautiful weekend, friends. The Smith's love you.
All pictures above were borrowed from my Pinterest board.
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