When I returned from Uganda a few weeks ago, I was pleasantly supposed to see that Michael had planted some tulips in that empty space in between the sidewalk and the road. Thanks to the recent rain, they've really sprouted up! But it's not just my eyes that they're catching!
Over the last few weeks, I have had the pleasure of being - what some might argue is a creepy neighbour - witness to a range of passersby also enjoying these flowers. In one instance a young man in his late teens or early twenties spent a good five to ten minutes snapping photos of them on his cell phone. But, I've also over heard many children heading on their way to or from school point them out (and these are my favourite ones!).
Just the other day, a little guy, maybe 5 or 6, was heading back to class from lunch break with his father. As he crossed the street, he called back to his father: "Dad! Look at the beautiful flowers!" The boy's father, obvious conscious of the time, replied with, what I would suggest is, a very dad response: "Oh, yes - now get back to class, buddy."
Overhearing the joy these flowers are bringing to so many others, really makes you realize just how easy it is to brighten someone's day. That the sight of some flowers could, so simply, lead to expressions of excitement is pretty neat.
Last year Michael had a gigantic sunflower by his front door. Again, it attracted a lot of attention. There was one morning when I could hear a group of children walking together with their parents. One of the Mom's said to the children: "Look at that big sunflower," to which one of the kids replied: "I know, it's huge! Miss (insert name, because I have failed to remember) took us for a walk to see it the other day!"
So there you go, folks. Simple gestures. That's all you need to make someone's day, or to spark a little friendly conversation!
-the Orange Canadian
No comments:
Post a Comment