On one of my walks at the beach I passed by this home with the sign “As Good As It Gets.” For a second I thought to myself, yes that would be it, a beautiful home by the shore to share with my family. But then I paused because that didn’t seem accurate and that of course set my mind to wondering what that sentiment meant to me. As I think back I can remember even saying this to myself or out loud a few times and thinking it many times in my life.
I remember that feeling on my wedding day and honeymoon. I know I had that feeling when my daughter and son were born. I remember it on family vacations. I remember as a youth walking off the basketball court after playing about 8-10 hours thinking how great my body felt. I think about that feeling of my first muscle car gave me with my hand on the Hurst shifter, the 8 track tape playing my favorite tunes with the tires spinning.
What is “As Good As It Gets?”
Photo by Mike Hartley
I remember many instances as the kids progressed in ages and milestones feeling that each time. Like their first steps, the first time they called me Dad. Their first band recital. Making a snowman in the winter or sand sculpture on the beach. And in a snap of an eye their graduations and the next thing I know they are moving out.
As anniversaries passed with my wife I felt each year getting better despite some struggles along the way. For instance each time I can make her cry with joy, that is as good as it gets. Each time a surprise gift or sentiment that makes her smile wider than ever before is as good as it gets. Each day I wake next to her is as good as it gets.
Watching my children start their lives with the partner they wisely chose to marry is as good as it gets. Having many wonderful pets that have brought me such joy and comfort is as good as it gets.
Being blessed with so many wonderful friends is as good as it gets. And listing the millions of times and events that I could say that “As Good As It Gets” with a great number of them would create a blog post too long to share.
So it’s really not a sign or a structure like a beach home or a car or a job. It’s that feeling inside you that is “As Good As It Gets”, that makes that sentiment a real tangible thing.
