There are some days when time stands still. A 5AM diaper change transforms from a dirty, gag-worthy chore into moments you’ll remember for the rest of your life. At two months old, I know Clark won’t stay this size forever. These moments, no matter how precious or filthy, are only temporary. And these moments are distinctly different from all other moments in your life, because only you will remember these times. These smiles. These laughs. These cuddles.
Clark won’t. And it will probably be 35 years before he realizes or appreciates what Brian and I have done for him. Or, it’s a possibility that he never will be grateful for the life we gave him. But it’s Clark’s life. One day, in the not-so-distant future, we’ll hand over the reigns. He will make his own decisions and choices. We only have ours. We can’t control who he becomes. We can just do the best we can to make his dreams come true.
He’ll grow up. He’ll go to school. He’ll fall in love. He’ll get his heart broken. He’ll get his first job. He’ll learn to drive a car. He’ll move out. He’ll visit home (we hope). He’ll make his own existence in this world – separate from the nest. But today he’s 2 months old. His life is dependent on our decisions. Our choices. Our hands.
If, instead of spending time complaining or stressing, we all took time to appreciate the little moments that we’re living – whether you’re a parent or not – the world would seem much easier. We can’t solve everything. Not “we can’t solve everything today”. No. We can’t solve everything. People like to say “Rome wasn’t built in a day”. They forget to mention that the phrase clearly says “Rome”, not the “Roman Empire”, thus, the colloquialism is simply meant to refer to the building of one city. But, even if we extend this to encompass the Roman Empire, still, Rome did not rule the world (I know, shocking).
So, chill. You may be thinking that it’s easier said than done. False. You’re not trying hard enough. Let it go. Let everything go. Hyper-vigilance is for the endangered. If you’re reading this – if you have the fucking internet – you are likely not in a position of immediate risk.
Step away from the dishes. Put down the vacuum. And just breathe. Because there are days you’ll wish never happened. There are days you’ll wish you never had to live through. And then there are days like today. Days you can never get back. Days that you’ll desperately want to relive. Days that will bring a smile to your face forever. Enjoy these days. And, by enjoying these moments, the world will be a happier place.
As I’m finishing this up, Clark is having a diaper explosion. I think I might exercise my powers of selective-amnesia on this moment. Or perhaps this day. But the good days? I plan on cherishing those.
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