I am writing on behalf of the wind in my son’s hair. — Matthew Nienow

I, too, write to recommend the wind in my older son’s long hair as well as the fragrance of the wisteria that comes on the same breeze. To my eyes, the blooms of wisteria resemble clusters of grapes on a vine.

I recommend freezing grapes, for they are one of my son’s favorite treats. He pops a single grape into his mouth, and delight creeps up his face as he chews. Even after more than 12 years of observing his smile, I continue to notice subtleties and variations of glee.

Yesterday, he stepped out of the minivan onto a piece of dog poo left in the grass. He was nearly late for school, but he had time for a wry smile that said something like, What are you going to do? He wiped his shoe in the wet grass, then hustled to join the stream of students hoping to beat the tardy bell.

I am writing on behalf of hope. I recommend looking for the fluctuations in feelings on the faces of your loved ones. We say much without words, and while there is much beyond our control, we can look to learn, and our devotion to attention offers insight about what and about whom we care about.

I recommend noticing the wind, which blows wherever it pleases and is perceived only by its effects—the smells it offers, the flowers it dances, the cheeks it tickles. I recommend enjoying each bite of fruit, and I also recommend watching where you step in the grass.

Andrew Taylor-Troutman is the author of the book with Wipf and Stock Publishers titled This Is the Day: A Year of Observing Unofficial Holidays about Ampersands, Bobbleheads, Buttons, Cousins, Hairball Awareness, Humbugs, Serendipity, Star Wars, Teenagers, Tenderness, Walking to School, Yo-Yos, and More. He lives in Chapel Hill, North Carolina where he is a student of joy.

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