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Celebrating the Firsts and Reflecting on the Lasts
We often celebrate all the exciting “firsts” in life—like first loves, first jobs, or the memorable first steps and words of our little ones. These milestones are big deals; we capture them in photos, jot them down in calendars, and reminisce about those thrilling beginnings. The first day of school, for instance, opens up a world of potential—new friends and fresh experiences. And who doesn’t cherish the memory of that perfect first date? It’s one of those moments that you and your partner might revisit time and again, not just for how amazing it felt then, but for the warmth of that memory now.
But what about the “lasts”? Those moments that slip by unnoticed as they happen? If you’re a parent, do you recall the last time you carried your child to bed while they slept soundly? Or the last moment you cut up their food for them? What about the final bedtime story you read? Those moments often go unrecognized, and it’s a shame because they hold a quiet significance.
I can’t remember any of those last moments with my kids. They weren’t noted in baby books or marked on calendars, and now I wish they had been. If I had known that the last time I carried my little one to bed would be the final time, I would have savored every second—their sweet smell, the peacefulness of their face. I would have marked my calendar: “Last time I carried my son after he fell asleep on the sofa” or “Last bath for my daughter.” Those moments deserve to be remembered just like the firsts do.
But maybe there’s a reason we don’t recognize these last moments. Think about the heartache that comes with saying goodbye to someone you love. Or the bittersweet feeling that washes over you as you close the door on a home filled with memories. It might be too painful to acknowledge that so many “lasts” are passing us by.
As we navigate through life, part of what makes aging a little easier is the ability to look back on those cherished memories—whether they bring us joy or sorrow. If we had to remember every single moment of loss, it could feel overwhelming. It’s the blend of time that helps us cope with its passage. I hold onto those brilliant firsts that light up my memories, while the lasts simply fade into the continuum of life, filled with growth, love, and change.
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In Summary
While we cherish and celebrate the “firsts” in our lives, it’s essential to reflect on the “lasts” that, although unmarked, shape our journey. These quiet endings often hold just as much significance, reminding us to appreciate every moment, even the ones we don’t recognize until they’re gone.