The “Little Things” In Life….

By: John “Butch” Dale

We live in a hectic, fast-paced world. Yes, even here in good ol’ rural Montgomery County. Many of you are on the go from morning until late at night. I was stuck in that mode for many years, but I have slowed down the pace in the past few years. As I approach my 75th birthday I have started to appreciate many things in my life that I used to take for granted. Although national politics sometimes gets me riled up, I very seldom complain about anything. I dread listening to others go on and on about how terrible their lives are. I honestly enjoy each and every day!

There are many “little things” in life in which we should take more notice and appreciate. Here are few that I am thankful for now which I never really thought much about when I was younger…

…. the beauty of clouds, a gentle rain, and those amazing rainbows…falling leaves and the smells of autumn…colorful flowers…all of the wild animals and birds…horses…a cozy chair, a good book, and a cup of coffee…my comfortable old slippers…hot showers and warm sheets…treasured photos of family…old time movies and songs…handwritten letters and thank you notes from friends and relatives…and great neighbors who are always helpful and friendly!

… a Coney dog from the Dog ‘n Suds…homemade ice cream…fresh home baked chocolate chip cookies…bacon and eggs on Sunday morning…hot chocolate on a cold day…that first fried sponge mushroom in the spring…Wick’s sugar cream pie…shrimp and Caesar salad at Red Lobster…my wife’s homemade chili…bagels with raspberry jelly…and Krispy Kreme doughnuts…I’m getting hungry!

… repairing or building something on my own…driving my old 1951 Farmall tractor…doing a good deed for a stranger…giving money to my grandkids…receiving a hug from a former student…giving our dogs a special treat…buying a vintage item that reminds me of my childhood…walking down the road to the creek after supper…watching my grandkids play sports…driving my old truck slowly around the countryside and just enjoying the sights…mowing grass on the weekend (you can do a lot of thinking on a riding mower!) …helping a patron find a good book at the library…being with my family, especially during the holidays…and yes, even taking a nap before coming to work…ah, the peace and quiet!

I have a happier life. I am more relaxed and have a better outlook. I don’t sweat the small stuff anymore. I don’t get upset when things don’t go my way. If something breaks and needs to be replaced, so be it. I have no desire to “keep up with the Joneses,” but I never did anyway. As a police officer, I witnessed many tragedies. I was involved in situations in which I honestly thought I might not make it out alive. Those events affected how I look at life.

Your life is how you make it…no matter what your age. It all depends on you. But always remember that along the way, you need to appreciate the little things in life…and “stop and smell the roses.”

– John “Butch” Dale is a retired teacher and County Sheriff. He has also been the librarian at Darlington the past 32 years, and is a well-known artist and author of local history.