Simple pleasures

It's Thursday and my thoughts are about simple pleasures that touch us everyday. Last night I called my sweetheart. Just as she picked up the phone, one of her granddaughters was hurt by the family dog, Scarlett. Now this dog worships Zoe and would never hurt her on purpose. But when Zoe hugged her and put pressure on Scarlett's sore foot, she snapped at Zoe and a tooth punctured her brow area. With all the loud voices and panic from her nana and 2 sisters, I could not hear a word over the phone. Then we were disconnected and I could not get her back on the phone. So guess who panicked next? Yep...me! When you are miles apart and an emergency happens to loved ones, you panic.  Little did I know what happened until I got a phone call from the ER and Katarina telling me what happened. I felt so bad for Zoe. But I was relieved to find out the wound was not as bad as it looked to Katarina at first glance since the blood gushed out in volumes.
so here's the simple pleasure.... I waited for Katarina to call me back once she and Zoe were home. The phone rang and I quickly answered it. No, it was not Katarina. It was Zoe, the most beautiful 5 year old I have ever met. She called me to tell me that she was OK. She told me the nurse put a bracelet on her wrist and thing on her finger. Her voice was so proud, so strong and vibrant as if this was fun! Today she can't wait to get to her kindergarten class to show off the bracelet they gave her at 911 (911 is what she calls the emergency room.)
The simple pleasure of hearing the voice of a little girl that stole my heart. I can't be a happier step-grandpa! Then she finally gave up the phone to her nana and after a brief talk about all that happened, I drifted off to sleep knowing everyone is alright and that I am loved and cared about. Maybe not as much as I care about Katarina and her 3 granddaughters that now live with her.
Yes it's all in a day's normal life of those you love, but when you think about it, this is one of those simple pleasures we all need to think about. Those simple pleasures of simply sharing life with those that love you and those you love.
When I arrive in Michigan on the 8th of next month, I am going to give Zoe and extra long hug, Oh, yet another simple pleasure...the hugs of those you love that enrich our lives daily,even from 1184 miles away.