Oh, Wow!

“Oh, wow!” she kept saying, in that breathless sort of wonder that can be heard only in the voice of youth and innocence. “Oh, wow!” Her tiny nose and hands pressed against one store window and then another. She pointed to counter after counter filled with candy. And then several displays of plastic eggs. And scenes of stuffed bunnies and yellow chicks and woven baskets of every size. Even a stack of nothing more than colorful socks caused her to express delight. “Oh, wow!” she said, again and again, as her tiptoes carried her from place to place, store to store, joy to joy.

She is only two-and-a-half years old, perhaps a bit closer to three. But she is brilliantly new to the world, fresh with quickened senses and anticipation. Her name is Jane. And she was visiting my neighbor — her grandmother — just before Easter. I was delighted when Jane and her mother and grandmother invited me to come with them to explore downtown Aiken for their first time.

Still, I had not expected the joy it would be to watch Jane — as she reminded everyone around her about authentic awe and curiosity, as she exampled for us how to appreciate the wonders that are often at the ends of our own fingertips, at the tips of our own noses.

It wasn’t only the sparkle and glam of the stores that caught Jane’s enthusiasm. There was also a giant painted horse statue in the Center for the Arts, and pinecones filling the ground everywhere she looked. There was one large friendly dog by the name of Quincy, and dozens of others to meet and greet on practically every street corner. “Oh, wow!” she said to each of them.

I suspect that most of us have something in our lives, or in the world around us, that can still bring us to that feeling of “oh, wow!” It may be simply kneeling in a garden with the sun soft on our backs. Or the sight and sound and smell of horses. Perhaps it is the joy of creating art or music or dance. Perhaps the perfect sunset or the perfect golf swing. For me, it’s often old books or abandoned buildings, as well as deep silent forests and warm rhythmic ocean waves, and, of course, wet dog noses and cats with attitude.

But I can also be “wow’d” by the less tangible — such as hearing or reading one true thing. And the wisdom of native peoples and the very young. I can be wow’d by a unique turn of phrase that makes me think and a phrase of music that makes me cry. And there are the universal “wows” of treasured smells that seem to speak to all of us — fresh cookies and bread, the rain, our mother’s skin.

Lately, however, I find that I am most “wow’d” by unexpected kindnesses, by unbridled compassion, by uncontained love. I am awed by grace and generosity beyond reason, by peacemakers and diplomats.

Watching Jane that lovely day in downtown Aiken, I began to examine all the potential and deserving “oh, wows” there really are in life — if we remain open to them. And I began to suspect that perhaps they aren’t always meant just for us to experience. Perhaps there are moments and opportunities when we are meant to be the “wow” in someone else’s life. Perhaps, in the end, those are the “wows” that should matter the most — whatever age we are

© Marti Healy 2021, Printed with Permission

Picture of Marti Healy

Marti Healy

Marti Healy is a writer living in Aiken with dog Quincy and cat Tuppence.  She was a professional copywriter for longer than 35 years, and is a columnist, book author, and popular speaker, whose work has received national recognition and awards.
Picture of Marti Healy

Marti Healy

Marti Healy is a writer living in Aiken with dog Quincy and cat Tuppence.  She was a professional copywriter for longer than 35 years, and is a columnist, book author, and popular speaker, whose work has received national recognition and awards.

In the know

Related Stories

Let’s Talk: New Beginnings | Palmetto Bella

Let’s Talk: New Beginnings

Life is full of unusual changes and journeys that affect people in different ways. I like to think of life’s voyages as seasons that change with various weather patterns, bringing new beginnings or a brand new start. Just as spring brings new plants, flowers, and beautiful scenery. Then fall brings colorful leaves, bare trees, and a little breeze in the air. Let’s take a closer look at some ways to turn a new leaf. Many people wait until a New Year to make a new beginning or set a new resolution, but new beginnings can start at any time and can be as simple as a new hairstyle or as

Read More »
New Year Superstitions

New Year Superstitions

Do not put out the new calendar before New Year’s Day Open the door at midnight New Year’s Eve so the old year can go out Get rid of any old regrets or revenge or debts Wear something red on New Year’s Day for good luck and happiness Give some of your good clothing to the poor Forgive everyone for everything FacebookTweetPin

Read More »
Intention Setting for 2021

Intention Setting for 2021

After a year of twists and turns, many people are eagerly seeking ways to influence 2021 positively. Instead of following strict rules or forcing well-meaning goals, intention setting may be the encouraging answer you seek. At its most basic definition, an intention is an “aim or plan.” Where resolutions are often rigid rules, intentions are softer guidelines. Being intentional with your day means showing up in the present moment. It means allowing the day to unfold and knowing that, even if speed bumps occur, they won’t rock you out of your boat — your overall intention can still hold true. Medically speaking, intention is “the healing process of a wound.”

Read More »
Be Humbled | Palmetto Bella

Be Humbled

Do you wish to rise? Begin by descending. You plan a tower that will pierce the clouds? Lay first the foundation of humility. ~ Saint Augustine Happy New Year! Never been one for resolutions. It always felt like I was setting myself up for disappointment by trying to find something worthy enough to make a definitive claim on this great big thing I was going to change or do differently in the coming year. Something impressive enough that I would tell everyone to ensure accountability. Romantic enough that others would be wowed and inspired to make mesmerizing resolutions as well. I would stand on this victorious mountain of ideals, shout

Read More »