Blog (2023)

A little care goes a long way.

Koe sprinted out of the back door as if she had seen a ghost, and I deduced that her mind was most likely on her brother, even though it was highly improbable that he would awaken from his slumber at such an ungodly hour on his day off. Koe found herself in the confounding circumstance of steadfastly refusing to give it up, despite the fact that he showed no interest in the situation in the slightest. She possessed an innate talent that was uniquely hers and could not be found in anyone else.

Koe has a plastic bag in her hands, which is stuffed to capacity with materials that are designated for recycling and which are ready to be separated into their proper bins. These bins are located beyond the lovely gardens that extend from the backward sections of our residence. The majority of the items within the bag were made of plastic and aluminium cans. There were also a few pieces of cardboard. Since the day that we instructed her in reading, each day has turned into an exciting new adventure for her. As Koe dragged the plastic bag along the ground, the noise it made as it moved filled the surrounding space. Upon arriving at the bins, she meticulously placed each thing in the container that was most appropriate for it.

She derives joy from engaging in that pastime on a daily basis. If the world we live in now were filled with the same enthusiasm that she did, it would unquestionably be a more hospitable place. This is one of my children, from whom even I, the parent, have a great deal to learn.

***

When I first opened my eyes this morning, I reminded myself that each day is a fresh start. My window looked out into a world that was just beginning to be bathed in a warm glow cast by the sun as it rose. It served as a timely reminder that the day had begun anew, regardless of the events of the previous day. An opportunity to start over, to make different decisions, and to chart a different course. I took a deep breath, let go of the things that had happened in the past, and then took a step forward into the unknown possibilities that the day had in store for me.

I am thankful for the opportunity to write that today provided, watching Koe’s there.