looking up

Jon and i were going to the beach one day when we saw a man walking hurriedly down the stairs. We watched as he walked briskly down and into his driveway, where his children ran out to meet him screaming "Daddy!" with the sweetest joy that only a child's unadulterated feelings can produce.

Two days ago, as i was walking, i stopped to take in the ocean view. It had been a cloudy and drizzly morning but the sun was just beginning to come out and it was beautiful. As i looked down, through some bushes and trees, i made out a man and a uniformed girl sitting on their patio having breakfast together (she seemed to be spooning some cereal into her mouth) and enjoying the view and each other. I watched them for about 10 minutes before i tore myself from that scene and walked away. I think it was the same man Jon and i had observed before and it made me feel so happy that here was a man rushing home to meet his children; here was a man having breakfast with one of his girls. This is what life is.

Oftentimes now, as i walk, i peer into their patio hoping to see them. I haven't again but i notice other fathers- holding their daughters' hands and walking them to school; loving on them; playing with them; being with them.