It was time for her to fall asleep, and, as I often do, I said, “What was beautiful about your day? Can you think of three things?”

Usually, she yawns out, “You” as she nuzzles into her pillow, at which point I prompt some special moments or thoughtful acts from others that came her way. Tonight was no exception.

My Valentine’s Day surprise for her

The Valentine’s things she brought to her classmates

That even though her lip got injured at a school even by accident it healed up

The special meal Nonna made for her

The warm way Pa greeted us when we arrived at their house

Midway through, she perked up…

Her – “Daddy, you always say three things but then we end up doing seven or eight.”

Me – “That’s because there are always so many beautiful things to find in your day. We just have to look for them.”

She murmured in agreement

Me – “That way when you grow up, you’ll be conditioned to look for the good in life. People will say to you, “Wow, you’re so positive, loving and happy. Why is that?” You’ll be able to say, “I look for the good in others and in life.” It doesn’t mean that you ignore things that need to be fixed or addressed. It just means you keep your focus mainly on the good.”

And with that she drifted off to sleep.

Indeed, from start to finish, it was a good to day. And, well, when you think of the things going on in the world where people are in pain and hurting, well, I’d say it was a perfect day.