Today on GetRealLive Radio (the morning talk-back radio show I co-host), we kicked off our relationship week with a great conversation. We hosted John and Helen Burns who are relationship experts based in Vancouver. There were a number of great things they shared about how they have managed to keep their marriage not only together and not striving, but rather thriving. Yes, they have walked through some hard situations and there have been moments where they thought about packing it all in; however, they chose to fight and they have recently celebrated their 38th wedding anniversary. (To listen to the show go to getreallive.com and you can listen on demand.)
During the conversation, we transitioned into relationships with our children and they shared openly from their experience. They have raised three lovely daughters and are now enjoying many grandchildren. When talking about developing strong, lasting relationships with our children, they shared simple stories about things that they did with their girls. The stories they shared inspired our listeners and me so much so that today immediately after the show, I did something small but significant with one of my children.
As a believer of the mixture of quality and quantity time with our children, I decided to put action behind my words and make today count. Following our radio show, I began packing a picnic lunch. With the weather in Calgary being extraordinary and the warmth of the sun finally finding its way here, I thought a picnic was a perfect way to treat my youngest. So with our picnic lunch securely packed, I headed off to school at her lunchtime and surprised her with a quick impromptu picnic.
The look on my little girls face said it all. She was excited, felt special, loved and everything in between. She knew that I was thinking of her and that she mattered. So with the news of the picnic, she made her way to the car, skipping all the way. Once in the car the questions began, "Why did you decide to do this?" "Is Dad coming?" "Are Gabriel and Sophia coming?" "Where are we going?" With every question I responded letting her know that this was all about her and that it was only the two of us. Seeing her through the rearview mirror, I was confident this was a moment she would remember for a long time.
We arrived at the park, I put the blanket out, opened our picnic basket and lunch began. We talked and laughed, and she told me about her day and asked me about mine. It was divine. Our lunch wasn't long (she had to be back in time for classes) and it wasn't extravagant, but it was impacting, not only for her but for her mother as well.
Today I managed and spent my time well. Today I made both quality and quantity time matter. Today I did something small for the youngest in our family, but in the smallness of it all, I know that my little girl felt special, important and valued.
I sign this article off with a smile on my face because sometimes it's the small and seemingly insignificant things we do (in life) that leave the largest mark.
Susan J Sohn
getreallive.com
[email protected]
