I don't live a typical college apartment where noisy parties go on throughout the nights till waking hours. Instead, I'm fortunate enough to live in a more reserved apartment complex where many Tuscaloosa local families stay. I've had the pleasure to live right across the hall from a family of five.

Since I've lived in my apartment the past two years, I've noticed how well mannered the children across the hall from me truly are. Actually, I've been surprised on many occasions.

Once, I was struggling to carry all my grocery bags up the stairs from my vehicle when I was greeted by three eager children each taking a bag from me to help. This was my first true interaction that sparked an interest within me with these children.

Since then, I can't help but notice these children and this family throughout my busy weeks. They have brought me so many smiles and even touched my heart many times that I've caught myself tearing up. From times when I see the children kicking a soccer ball around and hear words of encouragement from an older sibling to a younger sibling to the time I asked to borrow a hammer and the father drove to his brother's house just so I could borrow one. This family is exceptional.

The most valuable and most recent thing I've both learned and admired about them just happened to me this week. I was sitting outside on my balcony reading over homework assignments and enjoying the cool breeze sweep in when a door slam stopped my concentration. I immediately looked over to my neighbor's balcony where all three children were jumping up and down cheering as their father pulled up into our parking lot and began getting out of his car. They were shouting "Daddy!!" over and over again and telling him to hurry up upstairs. One child even ran down the stairs to meet him halfway and walk with him back up the stairs. I sat outside on my balcony a little longer and watched the remaining children eagerly run back inside upon their father's arrival into the apartment.

That moment has stuck in my mind all week. I keep finding myself thinking back to it. And as I get older and find out more about myself and more about what I think I need to be happy and fulfilled, I can't help but think someone being that genuinely excited and happy for me to come each day would be enough for me for a lifetime.