“Go ahead, sweetie. You read to Mommy,” I encouraged my 3-year-old as we settled into the gentle sway of the porch swing, a rare moment of peace while the older kids were in school and the baby was napping.
I let out a deep sigh, the first real moment of stillness I’d experienced in hours. With my phone resting on my lap, my daughter began to narrate her version of the story while flipping through the colorful pages. My mind drifted, tempted to check emails or scroll through social media. But then, as she turned the page, the tiny dimples on her hands caught my attention. Her little hand felt small enough for me to cradle in my palm, filling me with a mix of joy and bittersweet longing.
How many more moments will I have with her on this swing, just the two of us, away from the distractions of her siblings and our busy lives? How many more times will I have the chance to admire her messy hair, perfectly framing her sun-kissed forehead?
I reminisced about the days spent outside, helping her learn to ride her bike without training wheels, those soft arms still a little pudgy from babyhood, now slightly tanned. I wondered how many more times she would snuggle into my side, finding that perfect nook that felt so cozy and safe.
How many more times will I chuckle at her proudly painted nails, her declaration of being a “big girl”? And how many more times will I hear her adorable voice, mispronouncing words yet making her point crystal clear?
Every now and then, she would pause, prompting us to sit in silence to listen to the birds chirping, then look up at me with her radiant smile and say, “You’re my best friend, Mommy!” I realized I could have missed all of this, and it made me reflect on how many “how many more” moments had already slipped by.
Sometimes, disconnecting from everything is necessary. When we take a step back, we often find that the most meaningful experiences arise when we allow ourselves to be fully present.
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In conclusion, life is filled with fleeting moments that deserve our full attention. Embrace them while you can.