Kip’s Comments - September 3, 2026 — LadagePhotography.com

(Notice - Deep Thoughts!)

It’s the Little Things

Dang… tonight Kristy and I, along with probably a couple hundred other folks, paid our last respects to a great guy who lived a life that obviously impacted many people. Everybody seemed to have a story about him. We all know there will never be another like this fellow.

Thinking about his impact on me, I believe it was the little things that made such a difference. He was friendly to apparently just about everyone. Whether it was a laugh, a story, or something else, he made a difference - one small opportunity at a time. (For me it was his laugh and he and I giving each other a hard time over stories that may or may not have been embellished a bit.)

Sometimes, no often, I think I take life too serious. Perhaps my careers had much to do with my mindset. Planning for the worst, training for tragedies, and then hoping for the best does that to a mind. I am working on “standing down” more often, but it is not easy. Maybe when I am no longer on call I will enjoy complete freedom again. My goal is to better appreciate the little things.

Today was a day of recognizing and being thankful for the small stuff. I did not go fishing. I did go paddling (in the rain). While out I saw Virginia creeper vines, interesting fungi, and a scene of hickory leaves in clover. I did it! With no seldom scene critter or expansive scene, I instead appreciated the little things. Today moved me one step closer to doing a better job of valuing the small stuff.

As so many of us were reminded tonight, life does not continue on forever. Be that person who others enjoy spending time with. Share a laugh, a story (or two), maybe extend a helping hand (as was my last time seeing this fellow.) And, be sure you recognize what others may consider insignificant. Appreciate the little things - like fungi on a log, paddling in the rain, and even touching base with friends as we grieve together.

Rest in peace. You were a good example. You made the world a better place.