it goes by so quickly and we forget to cherish the times we have with our friends and loved ones
You're exactly right. Reminds me, I had lunch by myself in a restaurant the other day and I got to thinking a little bit on the nature of fathers, since it was close to Father's Day.
Anyway, I watched the crowd in the restaurant...a broad spectrum of folks came in. For some folks, it was a fancy meal out, for others, a more casual thing -- I imagine it depended on their spot on the socioeconomic ladder. One man, black, probably late 40's, slightly gray, was there with just his daughter, probably 14. They smiled a lot, and clearly had a nice conversation.
One father with several kids scooped up his 4-year old son when his drink spilled in his lap. He comforted him, and didn't make too much of a fuss. He was a perfect low-key dad.
We earn the living that our family needs. We do what is needed, and make sacrifices, without question.
It occurred to me that mothers are often the color, and sunshine in their children's lives. They are the ones who soothe them when the little scrapes come, they play with them, they are the entertainers, the huggers, the singers. Mothers make a child's life bright and colorful.
Fathers are the bedrock. Not noticed every day. Not always glamorous or fun. But the absolute foundation upon which a happy, healthy, and loving child stands.
Some of this idea comes from my thoughts on my own father. Of course, generations change. I change diapers, I play with my daughter, I do a lot of things that my father didn't. But I do a lot of things the same. I remember him leaving town on business a lot, and making a big deal out of his return. I remember it dawning on me one day that his travel, and work, were sacrifices to make my life better.
Steve Martin had a line in "Parenthood" -- he said "my whole life is 'have to!'" He said it with more frustration and resentment than I feel, but I think most fathers can understand it.
Anyway, I am busy being the bedrock for my family, and that's okay. Sometimes, that's the way it goes.