If someone would have told me five years ago where my life would be at 25, I would have told them they were crazy. But now that I am 25, sometimes I wish I would’ve had someone to tell me that it would all turn out just fine; that it would be better than I could have ever planned.
And then I remember…I did have someone. Someone who never took living for granted. Someone who loved life, and everyone around her, with a vigorous, unfailing and unfathomable love.
Someone who taught me to enjoy the little things — Fresh chicken eggs out of a chicken coop, an aimless wildflower on a dirt road, a unique piece of turquoise, a hot meal with the people you love, laughing with your sister until you’re too tired to function, and wearing whatever the hell you want; because life’s too short not to.
It’s been almost two years since my sweet aunt joined the angels, but her “little things” seem to pop up when we need her most. Precious reminders to ensure us it’s all going to turn out just fine.
I couldn’t help but smile when I arrived home, and saw my mom’s napkin rings on the Easter table. Turquoise and orange. Turquoise, like her jewelry, and orange, like the theme of a hundred letters she sent to me at camp over the years. A little detail, that because of her, I noticed.
I walked in the dining room, and dozens of Easter cookies, in the shape of flowers, were waiting to be devoured. And this beautiful Easter arrangement was hanging on our front door.
Little details that for years I took for granted…until now. Because it’s amazing what you notice when you really take time to enjoy the little things.
Like these lovely deviled eggs my little sister made…
They weren’t from a chicken coop, but they were beautiful. And SO good.
After enjoying an impeccable Easter Sunday meal, it was time to head back to Lubbock. The part of my trip that’s always dreaded (and dragged out for as long as humanly possible). But this time was different. I was at peace.
I had spent time with my family, and enjoyed the little things. I laughed, cried, danced, worked out, shopped, cooked, and ate with the people I love. I knew my aunt was around. She was watching, and she was happy.
Take it from me (and my sweet aunt) — Life’s better when you enjoy the little things! Xo
