A Sense of Wonder

“If a child is to keep alive his inborn sense of wonder, he needs the companionship of at least one adult who can share it, rediscovering with him the joy, excitement and mystery of the world we live in.” Rachael Carson

Growing up, I never realized what my mom was giving me.

Sitting on the grass watching the starry skies. Catching fireflies. Chasing a leaf as the current carried it down the creek.

Watching tadpoles hatch. Picking flowers or blueberries or sweet corn. Talking a walk in the woods. Leaving footprints in newly fallen snow.

Turns out she was giving me a sense of wonder.

And nothing fills me with more joy than watching as she passes that same priceless treasure on to my children. I hope I too can give to them that gift. The ability to continue seeing, smelling, touching, tasting, thinking. The sense of wonder.

For this – and everything - thanks, Mom.