Growing up, I didn't realize how the real world works. Not a clue. My thought process was to keep excelling in school, get a job that pays the bills, own a house, be married with two kids by twenty-five. But as I got older, life had other plans for me, and I started realizing the value of a dollar, how Uncle Sam seemingly takes our hard-earned money to fund their own needs, and the rampant corruption tied to wealth. Animosity grew, and I couldn't help but wonder how any human could truly figure this all out. The idea of children started to feel like an additional burden, a costly expense that might not be worth it when there were so many other intriguing things and activities to explore in the world.
But then, New Year's Eve rolled around, and everything changed. Instead of being amidst large crowds, attending a show, or traveling to another country as I usually did, I decided to give my buddy a hand. He wanted to take his wife out on a date to see Billy Joel, and being the great friend I am, I gladly agreed to babysit their kids. It turned out to be an unexpected treat. These children were different from anything I had experienced before. Their pure, raw emotions were always written on their faces, and their body language was like an open book, telling you whether they were lying or genuinely happy.
While most of my family and friends were sharing New Year's kisses with their significant others, I was with two very excited little girls. We spent the evening doing cartwheels and jumping up and down on the couch. I had always aspired to be the "cool Uncle Jesse." So, I tried to play it smooth, in a cool way, you know? In the end, I had an amazing time with these little ones, but the best part was when I rocked them to sleep while singing "Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star." They were so tiny, wrapping their arms and legs around me, and in that moment, something inside me clicked. Maybe, just maybe, I do want to have kids of my own someday. To take care of little mini versions of me.
The following day, I received an unexpected text from my friend's wife. It said, "Dawn had to draw a picture in school about what she did on vacation. So she drew a picture of herself and PJ (that's me) playing Mario on the TV." The pure innocence of spending quality time with another human being, something so simple yet creating a cherished memory for them. I couldn't help but feel a swell of emotion; I may or may not have shed a tear or two.
By the grace of God, maybe one day, when I can hold hands with someone who loves me for me, we could have a little girl together (or a boy, but secretly, I'm rooting for a girl). Because it's these moments that make my heart swell with love. It's the feeling when your heart grows three sizes, just like in a beloved children's story. Thank you, little beans, I love you to the moon and back.
#UnexpectedJoy #FamilyFirst #CherishedMoments #FatherhoodDreams #NewYearSurprises #EmbracingChange #InnocenceOfYouth #FutureHopes #LoveToTheMoonAndBack #SomedayDreams
