The TV show Wheel of Fortune reminds me of my Baba. This was
back when Vanna White actually turned the letter “windows.” I’d sit next to my
grandmother and watch the contestants choose their prizes in that dreamy merry-go-round,
(before they played solely for cash). Pat Sajak’s smarmy voice bantered with
contestants, and stoic Baba would sit on the couch, seriously looking at the clues,
only uttering a sound if she knew the phrase.
So last week I had to laugh because I don’t think of Wheel
of Fortune anymore. And one of my dear friends texted me that she watched it and couldn’t believe that none of the contestants knew the phrase—and she
did. It was “Happy and Joyful.” Which made me smile because 1) memories of my
Baba came flooding back, and 2) anyone who knows my friend wouldn’t be
surprised that she knew it. Because she embodies true grace, eternal optimism,
and spreads love and generosity throughout our community. I thought to myself, of course she saw the answer. Because she’s
always looking for the happiness and joy in all situations.
During this hectic time of spring, how do you look for happiness and
joy?
With Mother’s Day approaching I’m always reflective, my
brain buzzing about the precious bonds with each of my kids and dog. And since
April and May spring a predictable cluster-F of activity, I know I need to step
back and breathe. And appreciate the fleeting moments of love and awe.
On Sunday I had a free 60-minute pocket when I went outside
to start my overdue weeding. My 5th grade son offered to help, so we
quickly got busy digging up spikey weeds and dandelions. During the gardening
he exclaimed with each worm found. At the fattest, the skinniest, the longest,
the baby ones... Since he is my resident fisherman, I suggested that he save
the worms for bait, and he started collecting them. That night as the small
container sat on my kitchen counter, I added some water, and he warned me, “Mom,
they’ll drown.”
The next morning I was shocked that 4 worms escaped, and I felt
sad seeing them dried up, a brave effort to save themselves. In true mom protective
fashion I wanted to save my son’s disappointment. So in the drizzle at 6 AM I
ran outside to scoop up more dirt, transfer the still living worms out of the
too wet container, and salvaged his bait farm.
Of course he noticed the bigger container when he sat down
for breakfast. He smiled when he told me the expected “I told you so.” And then
he gave me a big hug for trying to save the rest of his worms. And I thought to
myself—oh, the dirty work of maternal love, rescuing those squiggly creatures
for him.
Just like my friend who solved the puzzle, I saw the joy and
happiness. Who knew it would be that sliver of time weeding with my kid and
seeing his amazement with each treasured worm? And laughing at myself, outside
in the light rain in my bathrobe and slippers just to make him happy, saving of
all things, worms? If we all seek the sunshine, even during our busy, dizzy
days, there’s pure joy and fulfillment in that. My Baba is looking down from
heaven at our own backyard Real of
Fortune.
“Heaven’s where you find it…standing right there in front of
you.” Little Feat
