Looking back, I realize that some of the happiest moments of my life are the little things that stick in my mind. Like helping my mom out in the kitchen. I realize now that I don't tell her I love her enough. I think back to times of just layin in the grass in the warm rays of the sun, just staring at the sky.

I miss the times with my friends, just us, sitting down and talking, no wild and crazy antics, just us. I miss the moments of the football games where you feel everyone connect for that single moment in joy. I miss the smiles on their faces. I miss the distinctive laugh that each of you had. I miss the twinkle in their eyes at the mention of their crushes names.

I miss the times when all it took to be happy was a new toy. I miss the times when you could snuggle up to your parents after a bad dream and just have them wrap you in their arms. I miss rolling in the mud with your best friend. I miss the way your mother smiled everytime you entered the room. I miss being afraid of the boogeyman. I miss having that stuffed animal that stayed with you at all costs. I miss eating ice cream cones from the bottom up.

I miss the that moment of joy the first tim eyou ride your bike without training wheels. I miss the days of childhood ignorance. I miss the fights you had your siblings because all you wanted to was be just like them. I miss the days of the family dinner. I miss the times of the family sitting down to watch a movie together. I miss the trips to gramdmas house and bouncing in the seat the whole way there knowing she'll spoil you. I miss the days when you pick out your own clothes and even though nothing matched, your mother told you you looked handsome.

I realize now that it's the small moments in life that get us where we are. Those happy memories that once reflected on make you wanna cry. So take the time, reflect, see what is really important to you in life, you might just be surprised...