“I think we are living the days we will look back on & say ‘those were the days’”

We had just finished decorating the Christmas tree. Our 4 kids were posing for a picture which ended with them rolling on the floor laughing uncontrollably. I was suddenly struck with intense emotion & this thought hit me like a ton of bricks…

“I think we are living the days we will look back on & say ‘those were the days’” I said it out loud to my husband almost chocking on the words. as I tucked them into bed that night I snuggled them a bit longer… I couldn’t help the tears. I could almost physically feel the time slipping away with every second ticking by.

Yesterday I was reminded of this moment when I had a conversation with a friend. She quoted Andy from the Office: “ I wish there was a way to know you were in the good old days before you’ve actually left them.” What a gift that would be!! But perhaps, in that moment, that’s what i was given! A gift! The knowledge that we are living the good days, the best days, RIGHT NOW!!

These four sweet kids who we have been entrusted with are living their childhood! One day they will be grown, off to college or university, maybe getting married & starting families of their own. These are the days they will refer to, these are the days they will remember. One day Andrew and I will be empty nesters, seeing young parents chasing their toddlers & think “those were the days”

I have been told countless times to “enjoy every moment”. Told “before you know it they’ll be grown up” & “time flies”. I always hear it, but don’t know if I ever let it sink in. When you’re sleep deprived or your hair hasn’t been washed in days or you can barely pee without someone barging in shouting “Mom!!!!!” It can be hard to think, let alone savour the time. But I will! I have to!! I can never get this time back!

Man, I want to hold onto these days! I want to live them knowing these ARE the good old days!! Laugh a bit more, worry a bit less, hug a bit tighter & enjoy every second!! Because I have been given a gift! Because “I think we are living the days we will look back on & say ‘those were the days’”