Trucks.

Experiencing a storm was inevitable whilst living in the big city. I just wasn't prepared for the caliber of storm to come our way! Boom, flash, the lightning crashed.. It was literally surrounding the house. However, with a prayer in my heart and buddy to snuggle, I made it through, house-shaking wind and all. I also stepped on more than my fair share of snails this morning... man, they make an awful crunch. Poor guys.

Today, I was driving home from work, ok well, I was sitting in traffic on South Temple, when I noticed a young family set up camp on the grass near the busy road; A Mom, Dad, and a little boy who was probably no more than 4 years old. At first, I thought, what a strange spot for a picnic, and then I put the pieces of the puzzle together. Directly across from this wide-eyed little boy was a very large, manly looking truck drilling into the asphalt as part of some sort of road work. This family wasn't some crazed, rush hour watching picnic dwellers... this family was doing what family's do best: support. The sparkle in the boy's eyes made it apparent that he was a boy who loved trucks. I imagine his home was wall to wall, floor to ceiling with toy trucks, and that he spent hours pushing them around while creating loud truck-like sounds behind them. This young chap was clearly thrilled to be seeing a giant, larger than life version of his favorite thing. Then, as traffic was still inching along, I looked at his parents. They were all smiles! Well, naturally, that made ME smile. 

How neat it was that they took time out of the busy adult life we all lead to allow the innocence of a child be free for even just a few minutes. This very young boy was clearly important them, as was his interest... his joy. The three of them were making a memory right in front of my eyes! 

This whole experience reminded me of my own when my Father took me to the pet store, one warm Summer day years ago, to let me hold the puppies. He had asked what I wanted to do for "Fun Day With Dad," and, of course, the dog lover took over in me. Now, if you know my Dad, you know that animals aren't his first choice in a household companion, and i'm sure he had a dozen other things he could've been doing that day, but that was not the case. He drove us to bird world, keeper of the puppies at the time, and allowed me to take as long as I want holding, petting, and playing with each individual pup. Even as a young child, my Dad was supporting my interests, and experiencing my joy right along side of me. 

It's cool when adults enjoy things with children. This is something I hope to remember as I work with, and even have children of my own someday. Taking the time to simply be with a child, and truly invest yourself in the task at hand, is one of the greatest acts of love we can show. One of the greatest acts of love we can FEEL. 

Just another day looking, seeing, and living the life with the new people around me.