Life Moments…. This Past Week, Another Biggie. 

What are our big “life moments?”  You know, the things that are noteworthy, represent a new phase or significant achievement in our life.  The standard ones that first come to mind are things like falling in love, getting married, buying your first house, having kids….and of course other life moments like losing a parent or another loved one.

When we were still quite young, probably things like first kiss, date, first time (you can figure that out!), getting your driver’s license and graduating high school would make your list of “life moments.”  What are yours?  What would you pick at this point in your life if you had to list, say, your top ten?   Think about that for a few seconds. 

Those life moments from when I was back at McLean High School?  At the time they seemed big.  Now?  They don’t seem so big at all!  They moved way down the list.  Not due to my failing memory, but because way more important life moments have occurred and just pushed them down the list.   Also, do kids really, really feel like getting their driver’s license is a huge moment these days?  Or is their first smart phone way more important to them?  😊 

This past week, another biggie for me (as well as my wife Tina & rest of family).  My daughter Lauren and son-in-law Ian welcomed their first into the world!  What a moment or new phase for us for sure!  It is weird in a way because it still seems so recent that we welcomed Lauren into our lives.  I can still very clearly remember hearing her heartbeat for the first time when Tina was pregnant.  Yet here we are, her son and our grandson (Miller Bryan, 9 lbs!) has entered the world!    Is “surreal” the right word?  Seems part dream and part reality. 

There is something about infants.  They are innocent, pure and untainted by the weaknesses we all display later.  Also, when my kids were born, I felt immediate, unconditional love.  Even when you fall in love, it takes a bit. But with babies, well, even someone else’s, there is a certain allure.  A pull.  A juju or magic of sorts that cannot be explained.  They are innocent and helpless, but full of amazing potential.  Here is how I feel about kids and parents:  No matter if you give birth or adopt, influence as a teacher or coach, your biggest role is to help raise a good human!  It is the most important role any of us take on in our lives. 

I am excited about young Miller.  He was born in the best time in history to live an amazing life.  His parents are very smart, loving and have a great sense of family.  They will do well.  And you know what?  There are a few of us grandparents around that are more than willing to step in and help if ever needed.  Maybe even when not needed!  😊