My nephew’s birthday was today, and family is the most important thing in the world to us both. I watched as you picked out the perfect outfit like you were going to your first day of school. I asked you why you were so concerned about it and you told me that the most important thing we can be, is a good example. My heart skipped a beat and got so warm and happy.
This is a core purpose of my life: to be a good example to others, “to experience all we can, and help everyone we can along the way,” as I’ve always said.
You didn’t tell me this because it was what I wanted to hear; it was what you felt in your heart at that moment, and it made mine sing.
Later, we were at the party and singing Happy Birthday. That is the most god-awful song, so you only sing me other, better birthday songs when it’s my birthday. I looked over at you while we were singing, and you were looking at me to see the quirky smile I get when I’m singing it — when I caught you looking for my reaction, we both smiled in a way that can only ever mean “I love you truly, deeply, to my soul, imperfections, quirks, and all.”
It’s a feeling I live for and would do anything to hold onto.
It was time to give my nephew his gift, and you were as excited to watch me share it with him as I was to give it to him. It was a young engineer's kit. He and I geeked out about it for at least 20 minutes, every once in a while looking over at you to see you smiling ear to ear to experience my joy with me like it was spiritual fuel that brought you to life. I never before knew what it was like to be in love with someone who was in love with the fact that I was in their life.
I felt so special, like I was giving you warmth from the sun, and I felt like the most important person in the world. Thank you.
On the way home, we held hands the entire way. Your big hands interlaced into mine like they were crafted to feel comforting and safe. Holding hands always felt like an inconvenience with others, but with you, it’s the best feeling in the world and the best way to stay close to you. I never want to let you go.
We arrived home, and it was raining. Most people would groan, complaining about things that we have absolutely no control over. Not you. You stopped the car in the driveway, turned up the music, and waved me over. I smiled because, of course, I’m going to join you. I got out, and you danced with me for a full 3 songs, smiling from ear to ear the entire time. Yet somehow, that hair is still perfect.
I ran my hands through it, kissed you, and knew right then, and there this is heaven, and my heart is fuller than it had ever been, but tomorrow, you’d find a way to make it even fuller.
Greysen Paige is a tech industry exec who writes creatively about a future he wishes for and dreams of. He also seeks new and additional creative outlets, reading, studying the magic of life, playing video games, and, most importantly, spending time with family and friends. Find me in more places at https://Greysen.io.
Disclaimer: AI is not used in any of my writing. It is only used when generating art for my stories and will always be labeled clearly.
