No one knows what a day holds. Too often we rush through life and get caught up in the mechanics of day to day life. It’s so easy not to sit back and enjoy every little detail of our family and in particular, our kids. I find that, more often than not, I’m working on some project or trying to get caught up with work in the evenings. I don’t want to look back at my life and regret not spending more time with my kids. So how do we make the most of that time? I’m no expert and I certainly don’t have all of the answers (or any of them most days) but I’d like to think that we can all find ways to spend more time with our families.
What prompted this post? I’m not sure. My son spent the night last night with his grandparents and I have to admit that I missed him. But my son is also learning how to manipulate me. The other day he asked if I’d go outside and play soccer with him. I was working on a consulting project at the time and couldn’t stop. He looked at me with the saddest face and said “But isn’t spending time with your son more important?” (BTW, he’s only 5 years old) Now, I know he was playing me…I know he was using emotional warfare…but it worked. I put up my work and went outside with him. We didn’t stay too long…maybe 15-20 minutes and then I went back to work.
There have been times when my daughter asked if I’d come play basketball with her while I was working. I always try to take a few minutes to show them how important they are to me. Here’s the thing, I don’t know when my last day on this earth will be…or theirs. Today could be the last time I see them…the last chance to play with them…the last opportunity to make that memory. One day we will be separated by death. I want to know that I spent the most time possible with my family.
When my 5 year old was a baby I created a Gmail account for him. I have been sending him emails, photos, and videos since he was a baby. Yes, I got the idea from the Google commercial (Thanks Google!). I hope that one day, when I’m dead and gone, he can access this account and see the memories that we created together and read my words to him during the early years of his life.
What’s the point of this post? I honestly am not sure. As a blogger, I know that I should have a purpose for each post I write. But this one was driven more by the sudden realization that we may wake up tomorrow and not have our loved ones there. There have been so many news stories lately of small children dying. I suppose this has me feeling a bit sentimental. I sat down to write a post about making your marriage strong…and I just started typing this post. So, here ya have it. Take it for what it’s worth.
I struggle with this. Being a working mom outside of the home plus writing a blog is difficult.
I make sure to take my kids to the park every day. It is hard to balance family and work.
love this! family is so important, and life goes by way too fast…you are a great parent! xo, jess @ dreamingofleaving.com
I totally agree ! As a blogger, I am always on the net doing something. Then, my daughter reminds to take time out for her and the family. We all need to remember to put the electronics down and love your family.Not by buying things,but by giving time.
That is so true. My sister passed away at the age of 51 and her husband the age of 55. They never got to see their kids get married or their grandkids. Life is way too short so you should enjoy your family and loved ones as much as you can. Never take anything for granted.
This is very true you don’t get that time back.
I think about this constantly – My children just turned 3 and 5, and it seems like they were just babies. Balancing work and spending quality time with them is a challenge, but I don’t ever want to think back and realize that I missed opportunities that I could’ve been bonding with them.