A desk, a good neighbor and lessons I learn from my three-year-old

My neighbor saw a desk on someone’s curb and thought of me. An early-morning text reminded me that my neighbors are like family to me.

She volunteered to go out in the cold - in her pajamas and a winter coat - and join me in my pajamas and winter coat to help bring it to my home.

My daughter was so excited – she couldn’t wait to wash it up and move it up into her room.

We’d been looking for a desk that would be small enough to fit into her teeny-tiny room. This vintage classroom desk was perfect.

My oldest daughter brought it upstairs and my youngest colored in her room on her new-to-her desk all day long.

She is the child who is always appreciative. Her sister gave her an old skating bag when she received a new bag. My sweet three-year-old looked at her older sister and said, “I like that your bag wheels light up; thank you for giving me your old bag.”

My heart just melts.

She will wrap her arms around me and say, “I love you,” for no reason. She will talk to anyone and flash a smile that says, "I appreciate you for who you are."

In many ways, I wish I were more like her – more expressive. More willing to wear my heart on my sleeve. More able to try anything without fear. More appreciative of old, worn-out desks, hand-me-down bags and shared toys.

She teaches me about being true to myself and seeing the joy in every little thing – Every. Single. Day.