Zuzu’s Petals

Zuzu’s Petals

“Write it on your heart that every day is the best day in the year.”

Ralph Waldo Emerson

This is a bit of a follow up to last week’s post, but these two posts go together in my heart and mind.

My favorite movie is It’s a Wonderful Life with James Stewart. I could watch it a thousand times. The character of George Bailey thinks that life has passed him by. And, in many ways, it has, but in none of the important ways, in heart and soul and mind.

In a moment of despair, George gets his wish from his guardian angel, Clarence. He gets the chance to see what life in his small town would have been like had he never been born. When he comes to his senses, he prays to God to give him his old life back. His prayer is answered, as he realizes that he really has had a wonderful life, as husband and father, son and brother and friend.

He discovers that his daughter Zuzu’s rose petals are in his pocket. He is thrilled by their presence, as they prove that he is home. George is still facing some tough circumstances, though they are overcome through the generosity and love of his friends and family. He is at last home, safe and sound.

So, I was thinking about this years ago when my daughters were both in club volleyball and Liz and I attended every game. Often, when I reached into my pockets, I pulled out a candy wrapper or a hair tie that weren’t mine. And I don’t remember putting those or crumpled one-dollar bills in my pockets either.

Dads’ pockets are often the trash receptacle for their kids while at events where no trash can is in sight.

The back seat of my car served a similar, though grander, purpose, as it often includes hairbrushes, wadded up clothes, random and often solitary shoes or socks. Sometimes, the air was pungent with half-eaten bananas, yogurt, or plates with unidentifiable goo on them.

But I can’t help but think that all those items were my Zuzu’s petals, and that I will miss them terribly when they really have fully flown the coop. They remind me how much I have to be grateful for, and of the love and joy that are in my life and family.

-Hank