Find a bit of beauty in the world today.
– Lisa Bonchek Adams
Share it. If you can’t find it, create it.
Some days this may be hard to do.
Persevere.
Today would have been the 92nd birthday of my “third grandfather,” Mitsuru Yasuhara. One of my goals for his final weeks was to spark joy at least once a day. I refilled the bird feeder, since he delighted in watching them feast. I read to him from Swann’s Way, the first volume of Marcel Proust’s epic In Search of Lost Time (the Japanese translation was the one book he requested when he went to the hospital; I read to him in English once we got home).
The most memorable joy-spark was when I brought him a ripe tomato and a sprig of basil from his garden. He smiled as he inhaled the fragrance, first of the bright green basil, then of the red tomato. He surprised me by taking a quick, small bite of the tomato. Though he could not eat solid food, he savored that juicy bite.
When I saw this bee sleeping in a hammock of basil, I was transported to that moment in September 2020, when the fullness of summer could be brought inside for a moment. In Mitsuru’s memory, in Lisa’s memory, please find a bit of beauty and share it.
Image: A bee sleeps in a hammock made by basil leaves.
Lovely. Thanks for sharing
As you know well, we have to celebrate these moments & memories since caring for a loved one can be such challenging work.
Thank you for sharing your glimmer of joy—and reminding me to look for glimmers to share with others! It reminds me of the pleasures I have the opportunity to bring to others when I experience yours…
Love that, Diane, thank you!
Love this Susannah! And you!
Back atcha, Lisa!
Hello. I was trying to recheck Lisa Adams’ wonderful quote, which led me to here. This is what had her words running through my head. It’s lovely that you carried her adage through the care of your grandfather. xo https://youtu.be/qTj6NUS3o6E
Oh, thank you for sharing that beautiful rendition of “Knocks Me Off My Feet” by Stevie Wonder (interpreted by the adorable Zachary).
sure!! thanks for reminding me of the quote