Happiness

In my College Comp II class we've been discussing the concept of happiness for our upcoming definition essay.

I like the quote (I believe it's from John Lennon): "Happiness is a memory."  I take this to mean that rarely do we realize we are happy, until after the fact.  The trick - it seems to me - is to realize we are happy in the moment.

This happened to me just yesterday morning when Austin and I were trying to leave for school.  Now that Kristie is back to work, she drops Kenzie off at daycare.  For the past five weeks, I dropped her off.

So as Austin and I headed out the door, Kenz came scampering after us.  "Daddy, I want to go with you," she said and gave me those sad puppy dog eyes.

"Honey, Mom is dropping you off at daycare this morning," I explained.  "Austin and I have to go to school.  I love you.  How about a kiss?"

She backed up a step and pouted.

"Love you honey.  Have a good day," I said closing the door.

"Daaadd!" Kenz called.

"What?"

"I want a kiss," she said.

So I leaned in to give her a kiss from the basement landing.  As I did this I set my hand on the rug by the back door.

"Okay, honey.  Thanks for the kiss.  Now we have to go."


"Daaadd!" Kenz called.

"What?"

"You have to wash your hand after putting it on the dirty rug!"

"Honey, I don't have time.  Love you and see you later."

"Daaadd!" Kenz called.

"What?"

"Can I have a hug?"

After the hug, I attempted to close the door . . . but

"Daaadd!" Kenz called.

"What?"

"Can you put my shoes on?"

"Honey, we have to go to school."

"Daaadd!" Kenz called.

"What?"

"Can I have another kiss?"

"Sure."

Then I tried to shut the back door.

"Daaadd!" Kenz called.

"What?"

"You better wash your hands!"

My little girl is persistent!  Austin giggled the entire time.  And I soaked up the happiness that swelled in my heart.  And that's a moment I'll never forget.