Recently we visited with a local bookseller here in Ireland that is selling my book, “A Cottage in Donegal.” Even though I self-published the book back in 2011, it still creates lots of interest.
While we were talking about book sales, Nick kept interrupting our conversation saying, “I want a book. About airplanes.” I looked around and saw books about a variety of subjects and didn’t see one about airplanes. Even the shop owner wasn’t sure that he had any books about airplanes. Nick disagreed. “I see three.”
Sure enough, there were three books about airplanes in this used book store. In the stacks of various books, big and small, we hadn’t noticed them, but Nick did. Of course, we bought them for him. He was delighted. “I right!” was his response.
This experience reminded me that Nick seems to have great capacity to focus on what he wants. He methodically looks for those things he desires and often he discovers things that others don’t immediately see or don’t remember.
Even though his intellectual capacity tests in the lower ranges, he often surprises us with what he actually can do. I wonder what enhanced capacities I would have if I could focus a bit more, or if I was a bit more methodical in my approach?
In the days that have followed, the joy Nick feels in having these books has not dimmed. Anytime anyone has come into the house, they are shown his great new books. So far, Nick has not moved on to ask for the next thing that he wants. He is pleased with what he has. I have reflected on how often I have looked upon the acquisition of something as the end of a task while forgetting to revel in the joy that can be felt in owning it. I recognize his deep joy as Nick calls out, “Mom, look at this one,” or “Mom, you see this?”
I am reminded that simple things can bring feelings of great joy. In this day of uncertainty and stress, I need more joy. Nick reminds me that I have been overlooking how easy it can be to feel it.
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3 Comments
YAY NICK! Yes, he does focus. Remember when I lived in that little basement apartment in Portland. You guys came to visit. As he walked in, he asked if I had any Honey Nut Cheerios. For some reason, I already knew that was his current thing, so I had bought some. He wanted to see that I had it, so I opened the kitchen cabinet and, much to his delight, there was Honey Nut Cheerios!
Yes, he has been like this for years
This is a great reminder that we need to look for the gems in others.Everyone has them, but we tend to overlook them. Also an always-needed reminder to slow down and enjoy what we have. Thanks, Eva, for these reminders.
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