As time passed, some responsibilities of our kids faded away or were taken over by others. My partner, David, incorporated feeding the dog into his nightly routine, while the growing pile of dog hair on the floor suggests that brushing the pup has been neglected. Yet one tradition remains steadfast: our evening dog walks.
When the kids, Emma and Jake, were younger, it was easy to gather everyone—including our dog, Max—every evening for a stroll along the greenbelt. Nowadays, we only seem to manage our full family outings on warm summer evenings when homework and bad weather don’t interfere. Even then, those nights together have become rare treasures. However, this week, we found a window in our schedules on an unexpectedly mild night, so we all set out for our walk. It was the perfect way to unwind after a hectic day, and if the night had ended there, I would have considered it a huge win—family dinner and a walk felt like hitting the jackpot!
But it got even better.
We live in a world where family time is often over-scheduled, but some moments can’t be planned or manufactured. After returning home, I decided to relax by the pool. I expected Emma and Jake to pour their lemonade and retreat to their separate spaces with their devices, but to my surprise, one child quietly joined me outside, soon followed by the other, and David and Max trailed behind. Without missing a beat, we settled at the pool’s edge, continuing the easy, flowing conversation from our walk. It was wonderful.
In this transitional phase of life, with Emma heading off to college soon and Jake not far behind, I find myself with many hopes for their futures. Yet, my most heartfelt wish is simple: that even after they create their own lives and families, we can still find moments to gather under the evening sky, enjoying each other’s company and sharing stories—whether deep or trivial.
This article was originally published on July 20, 2015.
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In conclusion, cherishing these simple, unplugged moments with family is a precious gift, especially as we navigate the changes ahead.