I saw you at the park today, where the sun shone brilliantly, beckoning you to take your little one outside. You were both perched on the merry-go-round—not in motion, just enjoying the stillness. You glanced at your other child, joyfully swinging from the monkey bars while you sat with a toddler, likely around 2 ½ years old. Your mind seemed filled with a whirlwind of thoughts: to-do lists, grocery shopping, plans for the rest of the day, and all the days that lay ahead. You wiped your toddler’s nose, offered her a snack and a drink, then gazed off into the distance, lost in thought.
As I observed this scene—an everyday moment in motherhood on an ordinary afternoon—I felt an urge to share something crucial with you. If I weren’t afraid of being perceived as a nosy stranger, I would have approached you to say this: Freeze this moment.
Put aside those burdensome lists, the future’s demands, and the expectations that weigh you down. Like cobwebs cluttering your mind, push those distractions to the back and bring this moment to the forefront. Reserve a cherished spot in your memory for simple instances like this one. Just capture it in your mind.
Look closely at that toddler. Take a moment to truly see her—the soft curve of her rosy lips and the delightful giggles that escape her. Recall the fine strands of hair you gently tucked behind her ears, and remember the warmth of her small hand letting you do so. Notice the tiny baby teeth that peek out as she munches on a Cheerio, and her chubby fingers grasping the sippy cup. Commit to memory those long lashes, round cheeks, and the way she gazes at you as if you are her entire world—which you are.
Treasure this moment of simplicity and elevate it in your mind. Years from now, that little one will be discussing future plans like college dorm essentials and graduation ceremonies, and you will find yourself longing to relive that moment on the merry-go-round, sharing Goldfish and juice on a typical day.
Lately, I’ve been reflecting on my own memories, trying to recall those ordinary days with my son—his chubby cheeks and tiny teeth. I yearn to remember his wispy blond hair and the way his baby lips would utter silly demands. I search through my mental archives, hoping to find those fleeting glimpses of him as a spirited 2-year-old, but they vanish as quickly as they appear.
I often wonder what I was preoccupied with all those years ago when we shared those simple moments. While I do not wish to return to those days (I have moved beyond the desire for more children), I do wish I had captured more of those fleeting instances. I wish I had understood which moments were truly significant.
As I watch your ordinary moment unfold, I hope you recognize that it is anything but ordinary. It is extraordinary. Freeze it. Cherish it. Safeguard it in your mind, because one day, you will search for it, and I want you to be able to find it.
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In summary, take the time to appreciate and mentally freeze those seemingly mundane moments with your children, as they are the threads that weave the fabric of your family’s story.