Was going to title this thread 'What melts your heart?'
Same thing. I suppose.
Hope you understand what I mean.
It can be anything.
Anything at all.
Anyway, this is what happened today, which tugged at my heartstrings, and got me thinking about it.
I've never really been shy, especially when it comes to speaking in public.
(No suprise to people that know me.)
School, church, work. I was always the first to volunteer.
Be it to read a poem at Speech Day, the Bible lesson from the pulpit, or selling some idea to a room full of suits.
It's not about attention seeking. I know it's something I can do well. People will always hear me. I try to give light, shade, and spacing, to make what I'm saying interesting to the ear.
It's not something I do much anymore. The odd Parkinson's conference, the occasional talk to art students.
Wasn't a speech today. Just a few words about what needed sharing, and then reading out a letter, to a room of no more than fifty people.
It's the only time I have a really noticable shake, when stood up talking. Not nerves. Just a freaky thing that happens.
I always try and project my voice. Waste of time, mumbling, if no one can hear you.
So, look up, remember, you're talking to people, not just a room with four walls.
Reading the letter, eyes scanning the faces of the people listening.
Momentarily, my eyes locked on one other person's.
An odd, big, almost forced smile, masking what could have been lips that really wanted to quiver.
Eyes, not crying, but filled to the brim, with tears that wouldn't be allowed to fall.
Was literally just a millisecond. A brief moment of time.
Without any words being passed.
That momentary glance told me...
'I've loved you since I first held you in my arms, and showed you to your Dad. I'm as proud of you stood there today, trying your best, just as you did when you first read the lesson in church, when we could hardly see the top of your head over the altar. You're still my little lad, and I love you son.'
As I say, we aren't a sloppy family. Believing love is an act you show. Not something you make a big song and dance about saying, and not really meaning.
One little passing glance.
Tugged at my heartstrings, and helped me appreciate how blessed, and lucky I am.
So, what tugs at your heartstrings, fills your heart with gladness, melts your heart, brings a lump to your throat?
Can be anything.
Doesn't need to be like all this waffle, the cheap birthday card guff, I've just come out with.