starting with the marshmallows

Amidst reading opinion after opinion about reopening schools, this addendum to one of them caught my eye.

Best Friend

My best friend from college is with us in Colorado. He lives in LA, so we don’t see him much. We took my boys for dessert, and he asked my youngest, “How is your hot chocolate?” My nine-year-old, as nine-year-olds do, answered with no filter: “I don’t know, I’ve only eaten the marshmallows so far.” 

Having my best friend spend time with my boys, at this age, when they roll their eyes in public when I joke, but then ask if they can fall asleep with me … is nice. Real success, what you highlight to others whose opinion you value, is not a life where people love you, but a life where you love others. 

Being with Lee is so rewarding. He’s one of two people in the world who make me laugh uncontrollably, and he inspires reflection. When we were in college, his ruggedly handsome father would visit and kiss Lee on the lips. It was shocking at first but took purchase. I decided 20 years later I would kiss my boys, as long as they let me. Lee noticed it today: “They kiss you!” The only time it feels as if this all (sort of) makes sense is when my boys grab my hand or kiss me, as if it’s muscle memory.

Lee asks again, “What do you want to do with the rest of your life?” I pause, and it strikes me: “I don’t know, I’ve only eaten the marshmallows so far.” 

And then we laugh.

Life is so rich.

via {Scott Galloway}