Life, Well-Lived

To laugh often and love much; to win the respect of intelligent persons and the affection of children; to earn the approbation of honest citizens and endure the betrayal of false friends; to appreciate beauty; to find the best in others; to give of one's self; to leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch or a redeemed social condition; to have played and laughed with enthusiasm and sung with exultation; to know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived - this is to have succeeded. - Emerson

I just ran across this quote over at halftime lessons and then ran across another great post over at Ann's Rants titled "Crack for SAHPs" (that's "stay at home parents" - politically correct jargoon for Suzie and/or Stanley Homemaker). As a parent and a person who wants to "make a difference," I just love how Emerson entwines the human need for frivolity and happiness with the will to succeed and work. Reading over Ann's list of pleasure-inducing past-times and parenting moments made me think about how so many little pieces of life need to come together to make one feel truly successful. And how some of those things, no matter how trivial, can just lift you up to the heavens with happiness. What, in particular, was I struck by on her list? "Yes, Mommy" When I hear those words, and god knows they are heard infrequently in my house of willful boys.... I just swell with love, pride, and acknowledgement that I have added three healthy, useful, amazing people to this planet. :)