My husband had an internship for the summer in Arizona. I had never lived someplace so hot, dry, and full of Saguaro Cacti. They were cool, but not something I found beautiful. I had always associated beauty with the green landscape. This new place lacked green and was very brown. I was expecting my second child and struggling with being away from family and friends. My husband, three-year-old daughter, and I were on a walk one evening. I was absently listening to my daughter's chatter as we walked along. My daughter abruptly stopped and stomped her foot. She then said, “Mom, look at the sunset.” When I didn’t look at the sunset, my daughter stomped her little foot again and demanded that I look at the sunset. This time, I listened and did what she asked. The sunset was absolutely amazing. I had never seen such a sunset with so many vibrant colors. I learned a valuable lesson. “There is beauty all around if we have eyes to see.” Not really looking at the world around me caused me to miss so many beautiful things. Listening to my daughter would help me gain valuable insights that could make my life richer and more colorful.
Sherene Van Dyke, Casa Grande, Arizona, USA