Take the Off Ramp and Enjoy the Dandelions

A.J. Update

This post has nothing to do with writing, but sometimes I like to show you my personal side. I just had to share what happened to me this morning!

So starting this week the road I take to work is closed off for construction, which means it takes me an extra hour to get to my desk! (Ensue angry words.)

This morning I left early and was all cranky and sleepy. While I was at one of the many red lights, things seemed to be taking longer than they should. Once I got a few car lengths up I saw what was the hold up. I was close to a school and the long line of cars ahead of me were waiting for parents to cross the road with their children who looked to be around 7 or 8 years old, all sporting neon backpacks and puffy beanies.

There’s one straggling pair of daughter and dad, and they’re playing a game. He’s “play running” and snatching up dandelions and blowing them in his daughter’s face. She’s giggling up a storm and the cutest thing you’ve ever seen as she’s rushing to get as many dandelions as she can procure too. Dad makes sure to look like he’s going to get a dandelion, but is just slow enough so she can get some for herself. They go on like that all the way to the red light, full of smiles and giggles and puffs of dandelions.

I was unable to be cranky about the wait because I was all teared up by how sweet that was to see in real life. It wasn’t a sappy movie or a book, it was real! I can’t wait to have a child of my own, and I know my husband will be a dad just like that, excited to walk his daughter to school and have a dandelion battle on the way.

Today’s lesson: Take the off ramp and enjoy the dandelions. Sometimes life goes by so fast we just bumble through our regular routine and miss out on the small joys that are right under our noses. Life is short and precious, make sure you take the time to enjoy the dandelions and put a smile on someone’s face.

One thought on “Take the Off Ramp and Enjoy the Dandelions”

Blowing on a dandelion has to be a universal pleasure for children…AND parents playful and sensitive enough to join them. I’m glad I did. :). Love your story. You put me right there with you.

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