Simply Elevate February 2014 | Page 19

Being around kids a lot, I know such questions can easily reach a level of annoyance. But not for him. He patiently answered each and every question with made-for-daughter answers as they sipped their “coffee,” as if their questions were the reason he was put on this earth. And as I thought about it, they were. I sat in that Barnes and Noble longer than expected. I watched the two young girls skip away clutching their father’s hands. I smiled as the old man helped open his wife’s jacket for her as she slipped inside. I was overwhelmed with the love I had beheld in just an hour’s time in a busy bookstore. The profound attention of a father. The curiosity two people upheld about one another after decades together. If I had stayed in that seat longer I know countless others would have crossed my path. Always keep your eyes open for what is around you every day, you never know what love will teach you. That day I learned the importance of cookie and hot chocolate dates. About the Author: Lydia Dodson is a freelance writer. Originally a California girl, she found her way to Virginia and graduated from the College of William and Mary with a degree in English. When she is not writing, you can find her beebopping the streets of Colonial Williamsburg, playing board games, practicing her jump shot, or being an Aunt to her two beautiful nieces and amazing nephew. Photo by: Julia Pironea Photography www.simplyelevate.com 19