Celebrate the Small Things: My Greatest Achievement

The first time I cracked a can of Coke without spilling any of the precious liquid within, I was so pleased with myself, I blogged about it. I have hung my hat on such triumphs of human spirit, but deep inside there has always been the nagging feeling that there is more to life than the mastery of practical skills.

On Thursday, I had afternoon tea with my daughter at The Shed in Dapto Mall, and it was here that I experienced the highlight of my week. Of all the things I have achieved, both trivial and significant, nothing compares to this- which I always hoped and mostly believed to be true- I have good relationships with my son and daughter, aged 20 and 18 respectively.

As I drank Coke and she a chocolate frappe, my daughter said she feels comfortable with me and close to me, and when she thinks back on her childhood, she sees me, spending time with her: going to school events, taking her to gym training and competitions, playing with her, reading to her.

I thought I might have done irreparable harm to her, and to our realtionship as a result of divorcing her mother, but it appears I worked hard enough through her childhood to have earned her love and trust as a young adult. Now if that's not something to be thankful for, then there is no such thing.