“Remind people to treasure the little moments. They are most valuable.” – Braden

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I just read where today is National Sons Day. Seems nowadays, we have a day for every little thing. It had me recalling days when we had our son here and how I tried hard to soak up a lot of that time. Still, it wasn’t enough. It also led me to a drafted post I jotted down this past summer but I hadn’t shared. Never knowing when or if to share such writings, maybe today is that time. To the reader who may need a gentle reminder from someone who has learned: Make time to be in the moments. They pass so quickly.

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Imagine you’re in the middle of a very pleasant dream and suddenly realizing it isn’t real. Now, picture that second just before waking, trying desperately to remain in that fleeting moment…

As the 2024 summer break nears its end and our last child enters her final year of high school, we’ve tried to call a time-out, taking a road trip or other distraction before the reality of our final Fall school year begins. Many families do this (as Facebook and Instagram will attest). Social media is swamped in July with photos taken at beaches, mountains, or other memorable destinations. Our family is no different. We certainly hope to pack in some fun and memories, realizing too well how such moments in life are important yet rare.

As a parent, is there anything more treasured and valuable than such moments? Like your first love or any first pleasure. Experiencing it is one thing, but realizing you’re having it IN that moment is a high you can’t describe…. Still, you can’t hold onto it no matter how hard you try. Like a shooting star or a perfect sunset, it’s there when least expected, glorious while you observe it, yet gone before you can fully take it all in. Try taking a picture of a lightening bolt. It’s almost impossible.

I’ve had a few shooting star moments in my life and though impossible to freeze time, I’ve come to realize it’s far better to acknowledge them with those I love most in this life rather than to store them to recall later. You see, that day may very likely never arrive. I also have learned that we spend too much time focusing and waiting on that one shooting star in our lives that will never be seen while others even more stunning are just outside our periphery.

For any parent, think about that rare fraction of a second when your child was standing in front of you and they perceivably grew. If you’ve not experienced this rare moment, you won’t understand. If you have, you’ll want to turn back the clock and experience seeing your child be childlike again. But that dream is passed. I’ve learned through the years of being a dad to speak those moments aloud. I’ll say, “Hey Cait. I just witnessed you grow up before my very eyes”. She usually rolls her teenager eyes, but someday with a parent’s eyes, hopefully my “foolishness “ will become her wisdom. Time also has that effect. Maybe in those moments when a star she glimpses has just faded out of sight, recalling her dad’s words will draw us together somehow in spirit if I’m not there to help lighten her darkness.

The lyrics of a song by Paul Simon came to mind while writing down these thoughts. Most readers never even heard it. The song certainly isn’t new but the message stands the test of time of a dad singing his child to sleep, teaching him to capture the moments of life.

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St. Judy’s Comet – Paul Simon

Hey, little sleepy boy, do you know what time it is?
The hour of your bedtime’s long been past.
Though I know you’re fightin’ it,
I can tell when you rub your eyes, you’re fadin’ fast.
Won’t you run come see St. Judy’s Comet
Roll across the skies and leave a spray of diamonds in its wake.
I long to see St. Judy’s Comet sparkle in your eyes when you awake
Oh, when you wake, awake