Just the other day, I was sitting shotgun as my mother's foot controlled the gas pedal. The sky was spitting rain, and we were on a tight schedule.
As we followed the twists and turns of the Tennessee road, we stumbled upon a great, big sunflower field. To some, this field would appear as any other ordinary field would, but to my mother and I, this field was placed in our foreseen path as an opportunity to smell the flowers.
Sure, a storm was coming, but as soon as we caught sight of the sunflowers, we couldn't help but turn to each other, both wearing a smile. We instantly decided to put our schedule behind us and ignore each rain drop that hit our noses and wander the field.
Its no secret that the odds were against us that day, but we stuck to our light-hearted roots and explored the field like young kids would explore a candy shop, and it's a day I won't soon forget.
To me, it wasn't about getting rained on or suffering a wind-blown hair-do. Instead, my decision was about making a lasting memory with the woman who selflessly shared with me the gift of life.
As we all grow older, time is limited and life is busy, and we often forget to enjoy the little moments. But you'll soon learn it's the millions of little moments that make a great life. And sometimes, it's okay to put life on the back burner and designate time to losing yourself in a sunflower field with your mother.
I could go on and preach the whole "life is short" lesson, and as important as that one is, you already know that or else you wouldn't be this deep in this article. But, what I am going to do is remind you to be opportunistic. When you unexpectedly drive up on a field of vibrant sunflowers, take the time to smell them. The grown up life can spare a few minutes, but your nostalgia can't.
Even if it means you have to take a picture to document it, because we all know that's what this generation is about, don't be afraid to smell the flowers while you can, especially when you're with your mom.
