Children a source of never-ending inspiration

As I walked through the grocery store awhile back, I saw a friendly face approaching me. As we met, the woman began talking about the latest article in this series which had been published in the newspaper. As she described the joy the articles bring her, she revealed that knowing me and the girls, helps her visualize our stories and causes her to “chuckle a bunch” as she reads about their latest antics and adventures. As we prepared to part ways, the kind lady looked at me and made a statement which caused me to think about the words she spoke. She revealed “you have a never-ending supply of inspiration with those beautiful little ladies” and “you are blessed because of it”.

Contemplating her statement, I was instantly brought back to a day several years prior when our family’s lives were changed forever. Out of tragedy, lives were changed, sacrifices made, relationships built, and new family units developed. Since that moment, the new beginnings have brought us a seemingly never-ending series of blessings coupled with adventures which not only keep us on our toes but likewise, tug at our heartstrings leaving us with an inability to remember what it was even like before the girls.

Regardless of if it’s the silly antics of an eight-year-old, coming into her own, outfits which make you cringe, or a piece of art, created in love, our lives have been forever touched. The years have brought us arguments, smiles, and tears all while providing our family with a front row seat to living room dance recitals to the “Frozen” theme song and other cartoon verses I’d rather forget, as our beloved children show us the newest thing they have found joy in. We have played, cheered on, and watched as the family tradition of making good hearted fun of the ones we love is emboldened through a strategically planned practical joke. We do all these things with one intent in mind, that is the intent to enjoy one another and build each up.

My heart overflows as I think about the moments where I have watch true kindness and love flow from the soul of these little, fragile humans, intent on simply bringing a little joy to a world seemingly hardened and course. Considering the words of this friend, my mind immediately flows to the words my wife once said when she told a friend “I can’t hardly remember the time before the girls, our lives before them, and I truly don’t want to.” As far as having a never-ending supply of inspiration, yes, we absolutely do. Our blessings flow repeatedly because of our children. Whether you want to call it luck or design, we luckily are the bearers of these blessings. For it is through these two little ladies that we can get a glimpse into not only what kindness, love, and respect can be but also what inspiring others to a greater level of awareness and compassion entails. I am a lucky and truly blessed man. Friends, take a moment, close your eyes, and consider the benefit those around you pose. Because at times, when we sit silent, it is then that our eyes are opened to learning and true recognition. Appreciate your inspiration and always take the time to thank them accordingly. They truly do help us rise to a higher level and I wouldn’t want it any other way.

Richard J. Stephens lives in Carter County and is the father of three little ladies ranging in age from eight to 29.