Just Like That.
Mary turns 18 a week from today.
Just like that.
A few months ago I had settled into my recliner for the evening. You know the feeling. Shoes off. TV’s on. Calling it a day.
Mary came in the room and asked if I wanted to take her to get ice cream.
I did, but I didn’t. I was tired. She has her license, and the ice cream is only two miles away.
I told her she could just go by herself.
She said she really wanted me to come so I got up, put my shoes back on, and drove her to get ice cream. It was really nice spending a few minutes with her.
The next night, she did the same thing.
I pretended again that I wasn’t going to go, but she knew I would take her.
In the car she said, “I always win that argument.”
I smiled and nodded and I said, “Yes you do. Do you know why?”
She shook her head.
“Because a year or so from now, I will be sitting in my recliner at night and I will be wishing my daughter would walk in and ask me to take her to get ice cream.”
She paused and said, “That is really sad.”
You have no idea little girl.
Bill the good news is you recognize this now, before she is gone. One of the best things I ever did as a dad was taking each of my kids to
breakfast sunday mornings… one each sunday before church. Just one on one. I can’t say either of us remember a particular conversation (maybe a few) but I promise we each remember the time together!
Oh my goodness. Yes. I had a hard time with my grandchildren becoming adults. I'm used to it now. But it was kind of wrenching. Good for you, dad. Keep going on those ice cream runs. =)