Filed under: A Bit Of Inspiration, Attitude & Aptitude, Childhood, Comment, Family, Friendship, Human Goodness, My Fatherhood, Otis
It’s Monday.
I know that’s pretty shit for all of us so I thought I’d do something nice for a change.
OK, I’m not really doing any of it … my son is … but if it affects you 1/1000th in the way it affected me, it will make your day a little sweeter.
Otis has a friend called Elodie.
Her parents – by pure chance – are English and we met them at our kids school.
Elodie adores Otis.
And Otis adores Elodie.
They operate at the same speed and frequency and while there’s the odd moment where one of them goes slightly off the rails, their affection for each other is obvious.
A few weeks ago we were all at the beach to celebrate another kids birthday [this is my life now]
Living so close to the beach is a real privilege and even though both kids are there most days, they still act like it’s their first time.
Anyway, we were there for Jack’s 3rd birthday and in-between birthday cake and opening presents, I saw Elodie and Otis walk to the gentle tide.
As they chatted to each other, I followed them from a little distance to give them space to continue playing in their own World when suddenly they did this …
There are many beautiful things in my life that have taken my breath away, but this was one of the most powerful.
Innocent.
Heartfelt.
Friendship.
Which is why as much as that lone surfer in the distance may believe they are riding upon life’s purest joy, I would like to say to them they are wrong and point them to the embrace of my son and his dear Elodie.
I think they would acknowledge I am right.
Happy Monday.
Thank you Otis and Elodie.
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What a way to start the week. Thank you Otis and Elodie.
Comment by Lee Hill January 29, 2018 @ 6:19 amYour life is so different to the one you had in China. I know you still miss Shanghai but earned this Robert. Enjoy.
Comment by Lee Hill January 29, 2018 @ 6:21 amRemember this? https://tinyurl.com/yb2qv56m
Comment by DH January 29, 2018 @ 6:39 amlives in paradise wants to be in hell. what a fucking idiot.
Comment by andy@cynic January 29, 2018 @ 7:16 amI’m not going to disagree with you.
I bet the day I leave it – and let’s face it, it won’t be going to anywhere as wonderful as this – I’ll be going, “what the hell have I done”.
And if I’m not, I am sure Jill will be. Ha.
Comment by Rob January 29, 2018 @ 7:46 amyou mean you will be asking “where the fuck are jill and otis” as they leave you at the airport and go back to paradise.
Comment by andy@cynic January 29, 2018 @ 8:03 amShouldn’t Campbell be used to hell given he created it.
Comment by Billy Whizz January 29, 2018 @ 9:06 amPlayer.
Comment by Billy Whizz January 29, 2018 @ 6:28 amOtis: Is that guy still following us?
Comment by John January 29, 2018 @ 6:28 amElodie: Yes.
This blog is a million times better when it features Otis and Elodie. Can it become a permanent thing?
Comment by DH January 29, 2018 @ 6:38 amthey would speak more fucking sense too.
Comment by andy@cynic January 29, 2018 @ 7:15 amThey are too fussy/smart to want to do that.
Comment by Rob January 29, 2018 @ 7:47 ami used to think you marrying jill was proof you were the luckiest fucker alive. i was wrong. otis having jills genes means youre the luckiest fucker alive.
Comment by andy@cynic January 29, 2018 @ 7:15 amMe too. All he has of me is his short temper. Just my luck.
Comment by Rob January 29, 2018 @ 7:47 amAnd your knack of getting other people to buy you stuff.
Comment by John January 29, 2018 @ 8:00 amkarma.
Comment by andy@cynic January 29, 2018 @ 8:04 am[…] thought of moving Otis away from his beloved Elodie breaks my […]
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