today is the day...to see yourself through someone else's eyes. (an action post.)

Walker had heard people say things like “Your dad has told me so much about you” before.  His usual answer was the typical and goofy “Uh oh, I hope he told you good stuff.”  Laugh, laugh.  But nothing could ever compare to the experience he had the day after his dad had surgery.

He had gotten the news about his dad being rushed to the hospital right after his 4:00 PM class.  He vaguely remembered throwing his clothes in a bag and rushing out of his dorm to catch the train home.  By the time he reached the hospital, his father was in recovery and he waited in the family gathering room with his mom and sister.  It was strange because his dad had always been so strong and healthy. 

No one saw this coming. 

When the doctor came out to talk with them, it was getting late.  She explained that everything had gone well and that Mr. Chambers should recover just fine.  She also told them that it would be best for them to come back in the morning and that he wouldn’t remember them being there anyway. 

So they went home to a fatherless house and stayed up until almost daylight reminiscing about days past.

Walker was the last one up and when he realized that his sister and mom had already left, he got himself together quickly and headed for the hospital.  As he approached his dad’s room, he could hear his voice, although something about the way he spoke sounded different.  He was a little gruffer than normal, which made sense thanks to the surgery, but at the same time, he sounded softer.  And Walker could tell by the tone that his dad was talking to a stranger. 

“My wife told me that my youngest child made it back to town last night.”  Walker stopped just shy of the door.  “That boy is amazing, I tell you.  He’s in college, so I don’t get to see him enough.  Plus, I’ve always been kind of rough on him, you know?  It’s just how a father is.  I see so much potential in him.  He’s smart and charismatic.  A good looking kid too.  He takes after his father.  What can I say?!”

The woman in the room laughed out loud.  “I remember when he was about 15 we were at a baseball game.  I coached his team.  I always coached.  It drove him crazy, but it was my way of being close to him, of being close to his friends.  Anyway, he was having a rough game, but I wouldn’t let up.  He was so mad at me that I swear he would have thrown the ball at my head when I wasn’t looking.” 

You could tell that his dad was smiling by the sound of his voice. 

“He got up to bat, 2 out, a runner on first and third.  Steve stole second base thanks to Walker’s conning.  And then, whap!  That ball sailed dead center.  My kid could hit a ball, but never like that.  We ended up winning that game by one run…Walker’s run.  I like to take credit for that win.  If he hadn’t been mad at me, well, you know.  I took the whole team out for pizza. 

At the end of the night, my boy came up to me and wrapped his arms around me.  He didn’t say a word.  He just hugged me.  It was one of those hugs that says thank you and I love you all at the same time.  I almost cried in front of all of those kids.  It’s one of my favorite memories.  The best hug I’ve ever had.  Anyway, I can’t wait to see him.”

It was then that Walker realized he was completely and totally eavesdropping.  He shook his head to snap himself back to reality and then he cruised through the door. 

“Walker!’  His dad almost sang.  “Hey Dad,” Walker said.  The nurse rose to her feet and started toward the door.  “Clair, this is my boy, Walker.”  “It’s nice to meet you, Walker,” she said.  “Your dad has told me so much about you.”  He smiled a telling smile, nodded hello and headed straight for his dad. 

As he got closer, he asked, “I’m not going to hurt you, am I?”  “Not a chance.”  “Well then,” he leaned in and embraced his dad.  Neither one of them said a word simply because they didn’t have to.  That hug said it all. 

~ For you ~

Today is the day you are going to ask questions about yourself to people in your life. 

You can do this face-to-face, if you like, but I have found that it is easier for the person responding if you do this via email or in writing.  It’s simple.  You list out the questions and you ask them to respond in a timely manner.  Be prepared for honesty and love and to learn something new about yourself.  Most importantly, enjoy. 

It’s not every day that we get to hear what people around us love about us. 

But, it is a good day when it happens.

This is not going to feel natural and it’s okay if you explain that you are participating in this blog and this horrible woman “makes” you do things.  (I am smiling, by the way.  I am a lot of things, some better than others for sure, but “horrible” is a little strong and I really can’t make you do anything.  You do all of these wonderful things because you are, well…pretty wonderful, I am sure.) 

But feel free to tell them about this blog if that helps get things started. 

I won’t be mad at you for bringing others here, I promise!

~ Don’t be Afraid to Ask ~

Here are some questions to help get you started.  Have fun! 

• What is your first memory of me?
• What is your favorite memory of me?
• What kind of child was I?
• What was I good at doing ten years ago?
• What did you think I would end up doing professionally?
• What is a funny thing you remember about my life?
• When have you felt the closest to me?
• How do you describe me to other people?
• How do you describe our relationship to others?
• What do you feel like we have in common?
• What do you think my life will be like in five years?
• What are some things about you that you would like to share with me?
• What is your favorite memory so far in your own life?
• What is the most embarrassing thing you have ever done?
• What is the best thing you have ever done?
• What do you feel are your biggest strengths?
• What one word would you use to describe yourself?  To describe me?

I hope that you'll become a part of this experience & decide to follow today is the day as we take our best of intentions & put them into motion to see what big difference our little actions can make together!

Feel free to post your experience here or email me at tinaattodayistheday@gmail.com.

Don't wait too long. After all...today is the day!