Mental Pictures

There’s an episode of The Office in which Jim and Pam discuss taking “mental pictures.” Anytime there’s a sweet moment between them, they proceed to “click” their mental cameras.

I feel like I’ve had so many moments like this lately—moments which would be ruined by rushing to grab a real camera; and even if said camera were handy, it couldn’t do the moment justice. It would just get in the way. The moment wouldn’t be as vivid, viewed through a lens.
Moments like . . .

--The Kiddo, nose running, eyes shining as he masters the wobbly steps at the playground.

--Mike and The Kiddo, laying face-to-face, both grinning excitedly seconds before rolling down the hill.

--While both kids cry and whine in the backseat, catching Mike’s eye and that slow smile that sends us into laughter instead of frustration.

--Little Man’s dimpled smile as he grabs my face in both hands and presses his forehead to mine.

--The Kiddo’s scrunched up face and creased brow as he tries to understand something.

--Little Man’s look of triumph when he finally grasps the paper (he’s not supposed to have) in his chubby hand.

--A crisp night up on the mountain, just me and my Babe, looking at the stars above and the city lights down below. Not even talking. Just content.


Utterly content.