Snapshots of Joy
This week was one for visiting with people we love. We drove down to have lunch with my old college roommate. Sometimes it feels surreal to remember the mischief we got up to in college—our lives are so different now, and it’s strange to think about how things were back then. Now we’ve both traveled, built careers, fallen in love, and grown up. To see the friend who first introduced me to the wonders of cheese bread cuddle and coo at my daughter? Pure joy.
After lunch, we stopped by to visit my grandpa. Dot managed a cat nap on the way to his house, so by the time we arrived, she was recharged and ready to be social. She sat happily on his lap playing with a toy and then carefully watched him eat his fries—before deciding she needed one for herself. (Okay, I may have helped a little.) There’s something so sweet about seeing her look up at him when he talks. She doesn’t notice, but I love the way her pink hearing aides contrast with his more neutral ones. Somehow, they match in their own way.
That evening we had dinner with my mom’s best friend from college—my aunt and sometimes my extra mom. She lives in Singapore, so any visit with her is special. I still remember her bringing me a suitcase full of Hello Kitty toys as a little girl. Now we go to dinner with my husband and daughter. Ain’t it funny how life changes? (Cue Thomas Rhett music here.) Despite the distance, Dot has met Sandra twice before, and when given the opportunity, promptly snuggled into her arms and fell asleep.
What a gift it is to spend time with people who have loved me so well over the years—and now to see how they love Dot. Watching her soak up their attention, laughter, and warmth is a perfect reminder that joy doesn’t always live in big adventures. Sometimes it’s in the small, ordinary moments—and in the people who make our hearts feel full.
That’s this week’s Snapshot of Joy.
Want to see more of our weekly wins? Check out the rest of the Snapshots of Joy Series!
