By Rolland Kidder

We tend to focus a lot of our attention on the big things of life — like weddings, funerals, college graduations and holiday celebrations.

Yet, I think, most of what happens (or doesn’t happen) to us comes under the appellation of being “mundane,” the little things of life that everyone takes for granted, but for which, if they are not done, nothing happens.

It came to mind recently when I was thinking about our elections. We all take great pride at this time of year when we exercise our right to vote. But, what about all of the “little things” that go into that. What about recruiting candidates or circulating necessary signature petitions to run a candidate for office? What about making sure that there is a place and method for actually collecting and then tabulating the ballots for the vote? What about even putting up a sign so the public knows who is running?

That is the “grunt-work” you might say of politics without which elections themselves wouldn’t work.

We tend to take our elections for granted and not think much about all that goes into making them possible.

Then there are the mundane, everyday things around the house. Where would we be if someone didn’t clean the house or wash the clothes? What if no one pays any attention to the roof and it begins to leak? What if you forget to pay a utility bill and, all-of-a-sudden, you don’t have heat when the weather gets cold?

Recently, I went to a football game where my grandson was playing. There were big crowds who needed to be accommodated, cars to be parked, a scoreboard to operate, umpires to referee the game, and even someone to run the hot dog stand. The “hoopla,” of course, that ever one remembers is the game itself. But, the game couldn’t have happened had not a lot of little, simple, yet essential things been done to make it happen.

Fortunately, my parents taught me long ago that such “little things” in life are important. If you have a junky backyard, then it is probable that you will also have a junky house on the inside. The little things of life add up.

It has always been amazing to me how it is often the small, mundane details that trip people up. “Oh, I’m sorry. I just forgot it was April 15th and that I was supposed to pay my income taxes.” Or, “Nobody reminded me that it was my wife’s birthday!” Little things are usually important to someone whether it be the IRS or your spouse.

Successful parenting, I believe, often is associated with teaching kids the little things of life. Your kids can discover book-learning at school or learn a sport on their own. But, looking someone in the eye when they shake a hand or thanking someone for cooking a good meal…those are the little things that last a lifetime and can only be taught by parents.

This may all seem so self-evident, why write about it?”

My answer is that the small, mundane things can also be forgettable. They can get “lost in the shuffle” unless we pay attention to their importance in our lives.

Rolland Kidder is a Stow resident.