Big smiles from life’s little things
Jody made a mini celebration out of things that the rest of us wouldn't likely notice.
One thing most people don’t know about Jody is how easily she was delighted by life’s simple things. Things that most of us would never pay attention to but were fun mini celebrations to her.
Take her car’s odometer, for example. Whenever it would land on a number with a pattern (like 12,345), she’d get so excited—often calling me right away or snapping a photo to share later. If she happened to miss it, she’d tell me, sounding genuinely disappointed.
Another tradition she picked up from her mom was taking photos of loved ones—whether people or pets—while they were sleeping. It wasn’t about embarrassing anyone (though it could be embarrassing), it was because she thought it was just so darn cute. Jody’s mom started it, and she kept it alive, a tradition that, as it turns out, has now been passed down to our son.
What made these small traditions so special was how much joy they brought her—joy in the simplest, most uncomplicated way. These little things—seemingly insignificant—were really the big things. They’re memories I’ll hold onto and celebrate, because they were uniquely hers.
So, the next time your odometer hits a milestone, snap a picture and share it. And when you find someone—human, dog, or cat—peacefully snuggled up and snoozing, take a photo. Or, start your own little celebrations. What are the small things in life that bring you joy?
Love to all
💜
About Paul
If you've navigated the complexities of love, loss, or life's unpredictable twists and turns, this blog is for you. Paul, who was diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease in 2022 and lost his beloved Jody in 2024, is also a father, new grandfather and a speaker/writer. Paul writes to make sense of the world around him, sharing his personal journey through grief, Parkinson’s, and life's challenges. With a mix of lightheartedness, thoughtfulness, and unwavering authenticity, Paul offers a relatable and heartfelt perspective on the human experience. His writing is often described as warm, genuine and deeply moving.