Scott Smiley
Sometimes it’s the little things in life
It isn’t always the major events in life that bring you happiness. Sure…the birth of my kids and my wedding day are unforgettable and touch my heart and move me like no other. They are the most treasured memories. But there are also things in your life that are normal, routine and forgettable that can bring you happiness. Its funny what events I remember about my childhood that can bring a smile to my face today 45 years after I experienced them. I’m not talking about high school, the day at the ballpark or that first kiss. I’m talking about the little things in life that can bring a smile.
Let me tell you about something that happened in my life when I was five years old that still brings me a smile.
When I was three years old, my dad moved us to Madrid Spain. I lived there happily for 5 years.
When I was five years old, I began to notice that every Saturday an old man who sold candy would come down to the park. The park was visible from my front porch. Reflecting on it now, I remember him being 100 years old. He was probably 50 or so. Anyway, he would carry the candy down this long hill to the park so it took him awhile to arrive and we would see him coming a mile away. This would make all the kids gather in the playground so that there was laughter, screams of delight and just anxious movement between all the kids there. In fact, kids would come running to meet the candyman clenching pennies for the licorice rope or that candy whistle .
I didn’t always buy candy. The candyman didn’t always seem happy as I remember. He walked kind of slow for a 5 year old. The fond memory was that Saturday’s brought anticipation and happiness to a lot of kids. We could count on the candyman coming. It was his dependability along with his treasure. Kids were always laughing and waiting. The park was always joyous. He always came. Just the thought of Saturday brought a little smile. It brings a smile today.
I’m sure that little old Spaniard didn’t realize it then that his chore, his mundane walk, his meager living, his dependability brought a lot of kids happiness then and 45 years later still manages a grin.
Don’t forget that every day leaves a legacy.
