Fridays are a cause for celebration by their very nature. (Hello weekend!) So I hope you’ll grant me a little grace to go off-topic and share something worth celebrating.
I was sitting in a hotel bar last Friday evening eating dinner and watching CNN with no sound. As you can imagine, it wasn’t very productive news gathering without being able to hear what the images and video were about.
In a matter of seconds, though, that changed.
A 10-year-old girl’s reaction to a wonderful surprise captured me. I was so taken by her display of emotions, in fact, that I fought back tears. And I couldn’t wait to get back to my room and search CNN.com high and low for the video so I could get the full story.
It was also interesting to see this 10-year-old girl’s reaction juxtaposed against her toddler sister’s reaction at the beginning of the video. Though at opposite ends of the spectrum, both underscore the sacrifices families like theirs make every day – sacrifices that are easy for the rest of us to not even consider most of the time.
That’s why I think reminders like this are worth slowing down for and the pure joy of another person worth celebrating.
David spends his days focused on marketing communications strategies and execution. He blogs here regularly about integrated communications, PR and social media.
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OMG! I was practically balling at my desk. Thanks for sharing Mullen and reminding us to slow down and appreciate our surroundings.
Wow. Simply, wow.
I don’t think anything else needs saying, David, except thank you for sharing this with those of us who didn’t see it.
That was beautiful – what an amazing reaction. Both daughters’ reactions are understandable under the circumstances, but Hannah’s was so moving to see.
It seriously almost brought me to tears even thought I couldn’t hear anything being said. I finished my turkey melt pretty quickly so I could go scour for the video and hear it.
Thanks so much for sharing! Sometimes words just don’t do justice to something like this. Remember to thank your soldiers for serving the next time you see them…on the plane, street, at the store, etc. This is such a good reminder about how families are emotionally impacted by war…when we all complain about it. Thanks again!
Dave — fantastic. Anyone who’s a parent (okay, anyone, period) should watch this just to get their cry on. Man! And kudos to you for not just letting this moment in time pass by.
PS, just because I like irony, did anyone else notice the little girl’s peace sign earrings and t-shirt?
I noticed that, too. Good catch.
Just touching. The raw emotion displayed by both girls just really hits home. The quiet awkwardness of the father is kind of hilarious to watch as well, mainly because he is so excited/pumped. Great video.
Thanks for sharing David. It was a good reminder for me that everyone has difficulties and challenges in their lives at some point. We should all really appreciate the time we have with our loved ones and friends!