Life is Beautiful

© David LeBeck

when one day seems the same as the next based on the lack of originality, mostly in my work, partly in the lack of self challenge, what do you do?  you meet someone who has a much more interesting story than you and go for a swim.

what do you say to a man who has seen and done it all?  who has spent the entirety of his memorable life with his one true love.  the first date was skipped.  he met her at age 13, she was 12 and at that first glance he knew.  under the old oak tree, they held hands, had their first kiss and decided there was nothing else to search for.  renewing my faith that love at first sight is still a viable option.

fifty years later, against all odds and norms of society, they are still happily married. blissfully sharing the rest of their eternity.  sharing stories, creating memories and perpetuating a life well lived.  together.

we chat about music and photography.  he teaches me about people almost forgotten and i listen intently to my nonchalant storyteller.  this knowledgeable zeida (yiddish for grandfather) exclaims other terminology that i may never have otherwise heard.  when you listen, you just may learn something.

i finish my night with another watch of 'Life is Beautiful' by the forever fantastic Roberto Benigini.  a movie personally connected to DG, his story is endlessly fascinating and i cant wait to hear more.  thanks for the reminder.

'you sleep now.  dream sweet dreams.  maybe we are both dreaming.  maybe this is all a dream, and in the morning Mommy will wake us up with milk and cookies'

one day life will be that simple...