For those of you who know me, you might know that one of my favorite movies (comedy genre) of all time is “Raising Arizona“. During this movie, there’s a scene where the character Evelle Snoats exclaims “he smiled at me!” referring to the kidnapped baby boy H.I. Junior. From that point forward Evelle was hooked and made his brother Gale promise that they would never leave H.I. Junior again. Just watch the damn movie.

I never really understood, though I thought I did at the time, the power of a smile. Especially one from your own daughter. I know that everyone out there who has kids knows all about this. Sorry to explain what you already know but I know some of you don’t have kids and just dont know, as I didn’t – until know. I’m 36 year old and I have a pretty damn good sense of humor, some people (the ones who don’t just think I’m weird) think I am a pretty funny guy.

All my years I’ve tried really hard to make people laugh at any possible occasion and loved every minute of it. Very satisfying. Not nearly as satisfying as what happened last night with Zoe. And I didn’t have to do a thing, just be there with her.

I was harnessing my inner sloth, sitting watching American Chopper, while Kris went to the gym. Just Zoe and me. She was lying in my arms half asleep. I decided to try to lay her down on the couch so I could get up and get a soda pop. I put her down and got my pop. I sat back down and did’nt pay her much attention. After all, she wasn’t fussing at all. I was watching the show somethng told me too look down at her.

I looked down and she had cracked a little smile. Wow, how cool. I turned completely around and knelt down in front of her. I smiled back and as I did so, she looked my right in the eye and her little smile turned into a big smile, then a coo ,then a giggle. WOW! I couldn’t beleieve it. It absolutely stole my heart. I began to tear up with joy. I was in heaven, just based on a smile and giggle from my daughter. I consciously told myself to not forget this moment. I know that it will probably fade in time but I will try my best not to forget.

Unbelieveable. I never knew. All this time I had missed out on this simple joy in life. I guess I could tell you all day long and unless you’ve experienced it, you’ll never know. The only way to truly understand is to experience it first hand.

So for all those parents who have kids who are older, and might be having trouble with them or whatever, try to remember that moment long ago when they had that first perfect connection with your child through the power of a smile.

She smiled at me!

Categories: Rantings
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