Life is often defined by its milestones, particularly those exhilarating ‘firsts’—our first love, the initial job offer, or the moment our children take their first steps or utter their first words. These moments are celebrated with photos and dates meticulously recorded. They represent exciting beginnings filled with potential, as seen in the first day of school, which promises new friendships and opportunities. Our first date often becomes a cherished memory, a pivotal point that we revisit with fondness, not just for the joy it brought at the time, but for the warmth of that memory in our hearts.
But what about the ‘lasts’? Those endings that slip by unnoticed, often lacking the recognition they deserve? For parents, consider the last time you carried your child, heavy and peaceful in slumber, from the car to their bed. Or the final time you prepared their food, or read them a bedtime story. These moments go unmarked, and when they occur, we often don’t realize their significance.
I find myself wishing I had documented those last experiences with my own children. None of those moments made it into their baby books or onto our calendars, and now I long for that awareness. If I had known that last time I cradled my son to bed after he fell asleep on the couch, I would have soaked in that moment—the comforting smell of his hair, the serene look on his face. I would have jotted it down: “Last time I gave my daughter a bath,” or “Last time I carried my son to bed.” I would have held onto those memories just as tightly as I cherish their first milestones.
Perhaps it’s for the best that we don’t always recognize these last moments. Think about the heartache that accompanies saying goodbye to a loved one or the bittersweet nostalgia felt when leaving a home filled with memories. Acknowledging that many moments are the last we will experience could be overwhelmingly painful.
Our ability to accept aging and change often lies in our capacity to reflect on both our joys and sorrows. If we were to dwell on each fleeting moment of loss, it might become too heavy to bear. It is the passage of time that softens the edges of these memories, allowing us to embrace the journey as a whole.
I cherish the firsts, those luminous highlights that stand out along the timeline of my life, often revisiting them in my mind. The lasts, however, blend seamlessly into the continuum of time, marking the growth and change that accompany love and life itself. For more on navigating this journey of parenthood and the milestones that come with it, you may want to check out our post on couples’ fertility journeys. Additionally, for valuable insights on home insemination, Healthline offers excellent resources that can help you understand the process better.
In summary, while we often celebrate the ‘firsts’ in life, it’s equally important to acknowledge the ‘lasts.’ These moments, though not always recognized, shape our journey and remind us of the beauty and transience of life.