A Reminder from Pictures
When you have a senior, you have to look through pictures. Over the last few weeks, we have had two different “end of school” celebrations for Mary Carol. First, our homeschool co-op did a nice ceremony for the students who are graduating this year. Then, Central put together a very beautiful reception honoring our seniors. We appreciate both of these.
Both of the ceremonies asked for pictures, so they could have a short slide show of each graduate. So, Leah and I scrolled through hundreds–okay, thousands–of pictures from the last 18 years. Many brought laughs. A few brought tears. But it was enjoyable to just take some time to go down memory lane.
As I did that and then reflected on it a bit, I realized something, and it was a lesson that I think a lot of parents need to remember.
Among those pictures were so many from “big” events: trips to the theater, our vacation to DC, and a number of others. We never did a ton of huge vacations, but we tried to make “experiences” over the years. Those pictures were so fun to see.
But here’s what I noticed: for me, most of the pictures I was most drawn to were not at the big events. They were just things that happened in the normal course of life that we just happened to get a snapshot of. Mary Carol with our dog, Spot. Opening birthday presents. Swinging at a playground. Sitting with family at Christmas.
I’m not suggesting that one is “better” than the other, but I am trying to remind all of us who are parents of something so important. If you can’t give your kids a lot of “big” things, remember to simply make the most of the regular things. The memories made at home or with a quick trip out for ice cream build just as much into your children as a massive vacation. If you can afford the big trips, great! Do them and make those wonderful memories. But don’t neglect the everyday, simple things.
By the way…your kids probably remember the simple things just as much, too. You probably do from your childhood, so why wouldn’t they?
And, while you’re at those regular things, snap a few pictures. You may cry a few tears later, but you’ll be glad you have them.
AUTHOR: Adam Faughn
