Yesterday, I was talking to a friend about a trip he had taken that I wasn’t able to join. He asked what I had done instead, and I told him I’d spent time with my kids.
As we talked, I explained why that time matters so much to me right now. My older son is eleven. He’s growing, and I know there will come a time when he would rather spend more of his free time with his friends.
That’s part of growing up. I want him to have friendships, make plans, and enjoy becoming his own person. But knowing that change is coming makes me appreciate the time we have now.
I want to enjoy being with my kids while they still want to watch a movie with me, help make something, or tell me whatever is on their minds. Those moments can feel ordinary when they’re happening, but I’m starting to notice how quickly each stage passes.
I enjoy seeing my friends too. Still, sometimes I’m happy to miss a get-together to stay with my family. It’s a choice I want to make, even when the other plans sound fun.
I don’t know exactly when things will change. There probably won’t be one clear moment when my son suddenly starts choosing his friends more often. It may happen little by little, until I realize our weekends look different.
For now, I have the chance to spend this time with them. I want to take it.