It was the smallest of moments.
Yesterday morning.
The rain had stopped – it was only pattering anyway – and the sun was reaching through like a loud yawn, the kind that makes your head snap around with surprise. Especially when it belongs to you.
Up ahead a bob of movement, a daughter and mother turning the corner. I followed, drawn.
For the girl was so tiny that I wasn’t sure how she could keep herself upright. And yet, she did and was walking. Balanced on her toes, heels aloft, arms raised like wings for balance and head towards the sky, she propelled herself forward. And forward. As if she were flying, barely touching the ground.
And because she was so surprised to have actually not fallen, that she was arriving with each step in this new movement, she laughed.
Delighted.
With life.
Such a small creature can shine such great joy. An everyday miracle.
“To love. To be loved. To never forget your own
insignificance. To never get used to the unspeakable violence and the
vulgar disparity of life around you. To seek joy in the saddest places.
To pursue beauty to its lair. To never simplify what is complicated or
complicate what is simple. To respect strength, never power. Above all,
to watch. To try and understand. To never look away. And never, never to
forget.”
— Arundhati Roy
I am listening to this today after watching the blazing courage of Emmanuel Macron last night in the final French presidential debate before the elections. It gives me great Hope to have seen him call out so fearlessly someone whose only wish is to separate and destroy. And I was especially delighted that former President Barack Obama gave his unequivocal support today.. “L’espoir est en marche…”
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This post is the fourth in the series of “Little and Big.” It is a subject that I love to return to – the importance that the smallest of things can provide in our daily lives.
I think that some of you are missing Provence, so if you would like to visit or revisit the rest of the series, please click the following links:
And have a wonderful weekend!
I do too.
I can imagine, Judi. He is so handsome too.
xo
Isn't that something Lois? I love that we share this appreciation for Venice – and that you recognized the signage to a favorite restaurant as well (which is very good to know as I struggled, as all first timers do, to eat well in Venice). I am so hungry to return. And am a bit jealous that you have concrete plans to do so!
I was referring to Marine Le Pen, Erin. Her party is very dangerous here and was formed by several Pro-Nazi supporters. And as an immigrant, trying hard – currently failing, but trying – to make a go of a life in France, I cannot support her policies in any manner. Regardless of what you think of him, former President Obama is deeply respected in Europe and so his backing of Macron was seen as very important just before the election.
"Someone whose only wish is to separate and destroy." Really? Can and do you really believe that? Which begs, HOW can you? Do you pay any attention to what he actually says and has been doing in the US? You do not express what is truly in his heart. For Americans to live in freedom, peace, safety, and prosperity. That is his goal. I'm not saying Le Pen would have been the best choice for France and Europe, but in the US and obviously beyond, people are being lied to about who Trump is. So sad. Obama supporters have become poster-children for intolerant hypocrites and free-speech obstructionists, so I doubt you'll post this. I hope I can continue to visit France, but on the current course, I'm not sure my family is safe there anymore. Heather, I admire you on a personal level and I have followed your journey with heart-felt compassion. You introduced me to Ellie, who I'm STILL missing every day, but I can't sit by idly and say nothing while these inaccuracies are floated out there into the world. Seek truth first. "To anger a conservative, lie to him. To anger a liberal, tell him the truth." –Theodore Roosevelt
Mahalo for your friendship Bill.
That is why I won't breathe until I know.
Yes! Me too. You are always so kind, Laura. It is truly appreciated. xo
Thank you so much. And I love that you see the Wabi Sabi! I do too. Sigh. I want to go back to Venice…
Perfectly said, as always, my wonderful friend! And thank you. Yes, let's stay hopeful…!!!