Yesterday, I spent two and a half unforgettable hours with my father—a memory I know I’ll treasure forever.
The day began with a lengthy to-do list, the first item being to drop off a few shirts for him. He was heading into town for errands, and my four-year-old son, Max, was already strapped in the car seat. I asked Dad to hold on for ten minutes, and when I finally arrived—eleven minutes later—he was waiting outside, ready to greet us.
We ventured into my grandparents’ house, which he and my mother are currently remodeling. Dad was eager to show off the progress he made and discuss plans for the next stages. He excitedly invited Max and me to explore the attic, a place that had been my childhood treasure trove.
As a kid, my Grandma Joan’s attic was like stepping into a pirate’s cove. My cousin, Jake, and I would rummage through countless trunks and boxes filled with the oddest items, most of which Grandma acquired from auctions just to annoy Grandpa.
Dad has been cleaning out that attic, a monumental task that has involved removing the stairs. So, we climbed a ladder and squeezed through a two-foot hole where the new spiral staircase will eventually go. We rummaged around just like old times. I came away with a piece of floral cotton fabric from the 60s, a still-packaged ticking pillowcase, and a collection of Ralph Waldo Emerson’s writings. I left behind a pristine antique Polaroid camera and a lovely Moses basket, among other treasures my dad tried to gift me.
Once we were back down the ladder, Dad wanted to show us the pond he’s been working on. We trudged through sticky, red clay to see the newly shaped pond and discussed where he hopes to install a zip line for the grandkids to enjoy. He then asked if I’d seen the property corners, and naturally, I hadn’t, so we meandered through the woods to check them out.
For the next couple of hours, we crossed creeks, navigated thorny patches, and climbed up steep hills while also sliding down some. We paused frequently to catch our breath, discovering discarded debris from unknown visitors of the past. We rested on rocks, felt soft moss under our fingertips, spotted ferns and even cacti, and marveled at the expansive view of treetops far away. Max’s little legs required breaks, and several times, Dad either carried him or let him ride on his shoulders.
Amidst all this exploration, my to-do list did cross my mind a couple of times, but I quickly reassured myself, “I have nothing better to do.” That realization was perhaps the most profound thought I’ve had in ages. While I had many tasks awaiting me, nothing could compare to the moment I was in.
For the first time in probably 25 years, I found myself walking through the woods with my Dad, following his lead just as I had done in my childhood. I sidestepped down hills to avoid slipping, trusting that he knew the way while simply enjoying his company. I hope Max cherishes this memory of wandering through the woods with his Papa, and that as he grows, he understands the significance of that time together.
I also hope that when my daughters are older, they recognize the value of spending time with their father, even when life gets busy. It’s essential to teach them the difference between what is urgent and what is truly important. I want them to prioritize being present with loved ones rather than chasing after productivity.
Later that day, when we arrived at my mother-in-law’s house, I shared our adventure with her. Tears filled her eyes as she reminisced about her own father, who she lost over 24 years ago. She completely understood that the walk was far more valuable than anything on my to-do list.
I’m grateful for that day. I’m thankful for those two and a half hours spent with my dad and son that can never be taken away. I’m grateful for the woods, for the moments we shared, and for a dad who initiated it all.
We all have endless tasks to complete, but sometimes the best thing we can do is simply pause, breathe, and realize that there’s nothing more important than the memories we create with those we love.
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Summary
Taking time away from our busy lives to connect with loved ones can create lasting memories. This article highlights the importance of prioritizing relationships over tasks, illustrating how a simple walk with family can be more fulfilling than any to-do list. It encourages readers to appreciate the present and suggests valuable resources for those on their parenting journey.
Keyphrase: time spent with family
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