March 2026 SOLC–Day 2
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As we left the hospital wing where we’d been visiting my son and daughter-in-law and our new (and first! and adorable!) grandchild, we walked down the long hallway. I watched the people entering the building, knowing how lucky we were to be here for a joyful reason. Most people in hospitals are not. I scanned their faces, their postures. Who were these people here to see? What were their stories?
As we neared the elevators to the parking garage, a very tall man and his much shorter young daughter walked toward us. She was maybe five or six years old, and bounced as she walked, her ruffled skirt bobbing about her thin legs. Although I couldn’t make out her words from a distance, I could see that she was talking non-stop. I glanced at her father, trying to read his face. Were they here to visit a new baby, like we were, or was their purpose more worrisome? Although his head was inclined slightly toward her, an ear out to catch her stream of talk, he seemed quiet, maybe even sober. Or maybe it was just the contrast with the animated child at his side?
We passed the two of them, and not long afterward, the little girl’s high voice drifted back to us. “Daddy, do you want to skip with me?”
What would he say? I wondered. Would he do it?
I paused for a moment, but then couldn’t resist turning around to look.
Much to my delight, there they were, still in sight, at the far end of the hallway. The man had leaned way over to hold the child’s hand. The two of them were moving together in a hopping-bobbing-up-and-down approximation of skipping. People stopped to glance and smile as they passed, but the two of them focused on each other. And on their skipping. His long gangly legs angled out from side to side, jerky and awkward. She moved with the fluidity of youth. His movements were somewhat taut, and slightly ridiculous looking. Hers were graceful and free-spirited.
Together, they skipped down the hallway toward whatever awaited them.
And together they were absolutely beautiful.
Nix the comfort zone 
You painted such a beautiful picture of this moment. I could picture the whole thing and it left me smiling and hoping they were skipping toward something joyful. I wish you could share this with them- a snapshot in time. A gift.
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Also…congratulations on the baby!!! ❤️❤️❤️
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I was so relieved that you looked back! You describe the contrast between the two so well, it’s like I had to stop and watch them pass by too!
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generating stories and pretend lives while I people watch is one of my favorite vacation activities at coffee shops and bookstores. I love how you slow down to look at faces and moods here. Thanks for sharing
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What a sweet slice to capture. That’s just pure life happening right there in the hallways of a hospital. I wish that more people had the awareness to look around and wonder about the stories and the hurts and joys. Hospitals hold such wide ranges of emotions and conditions. I’m glad you were there for happy ones. Congratulations on your new grand baby. It’s a whole new realm of joy.
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What a beautiful image! I love how your people watching curiosity led you to notice this special moment between father and daughter.
And congratulations to you, new grandma!!! How exciting!
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Taking the time to observe small moments–it’s such a joyous part of life. From your description, it sounds like no matter the reason they were there, they will bring someone happiness through their visit. Congratulations on the new member of your family!
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O precious Molly! On a morning I need it your compassion & curiousity in observation, your creativity in storytelling, have all brought me wet eyes that are happy. They would skip, could they only… brava, wonderful One!
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