As I strolled through the park today, I spotted you—an inviting day that practically called for a visit with your little one. You were both perched on the merry-go-round, not spinning but simply enjoying the moment. Your gaze drifted to your other child, swinging joyfully on the monkey bars, while you sat with a toddler who appeared to be around 2 ½ years old. In that peaceful daze, I could sense the whirlwind of to-do lists and plans swirling in your mind—grocery lists, daily activities, and thoughts about the weeks to come. You wiped your toddler’s nose, handed her a snack, and then momentarily gazed off into the distance, lost in thought.
I observed this simple yet profound slice of motherhood during an ordinary afternoon, and I felt an overwhelming urge to share something vital with you. If I didn’t think you’d consider me a strange observer, I would have approached and said: Freeze this moment in time.
Take a moment to set aside the lists, the plans, the endless demands. Clear out the clutter of your mind like brushing away cobwebs, and place this experience front and center. Reserve a cherished spot in your memory bank for these everyday moments. Snap a mental picture right now.
Look closely at that little one’s face. Take a deep breath and absorb the sweet curve of her rosy lips and the sound of her high-pitched giggles. Remember the delicate strands of baby-fine hair you just tucked behind her ears and the warmth of her acceptance. Notice the tiny teeth peeking out as she munches on a Cheerio and the chubby fingers wrapped around her sippy cup. Memorize those long eyelashes, those round cheeks, and the way she looks at you as if you are her entire universe, because you are.
Hold onto this moment of stillness and give it the priority it deserves. Because in just a few short years, that toddler will transform into a teenager discussing dorm room necessities, graduation attire, career aspirations, and even politics. On a typical day, as those conversations unfold, you’ll find yourself searching your memory for that day on the merry-go-round, longing for the simplicity and joy of sharing snacks at the park.
Lately, I find myself delving into my own memories, trying to conjure up those days when my son was a chubby toddler with adorable cheeks and a sweet, naive demeanor. I crave the ability to remember details—the soft strands of his baby hair, his perfect skin, and the way he would utter one-word demands. I often glimpse fleeting flashes of his younger self, but they vanish before I can truly savor them.
I can’t help but wonder what I was preoccupied with during those early days of motherhood. While we shared Goldfish and juice on that merry-go-round, what thoughts consumed my mind? I’m not yearning to return to those days—I’ve long since moved past the urge to have more children. I embrace my son’s growth, understanding that each stage is a natural part of life. But I do wish I had captured more of those ordinary moments. I wish I had known then how precious they would become.
As I watch your own ordinary moment unfold, I urge you to recognize its extraordinary nature. Freeze it. Mentally capture it. Store it away. Highlight it. Keep it safe in your mind, because one day, you’ll want to look back and relive it.
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In summary, the ordinary moments in motherhood are, in fact, extraordinary. Remember to appreciate them, hold them close, and take the time to freeze those fleeting experiences in your mind.
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