Over time, certain responsibilities among the kids have faded or shifted to others in the household. My partner took on the task of filling the dog’s food bowls during his evening routine, and judging by the amount of fur collected on the floor recently, it appears that nobody is handling the dog grooming. However, one tradition has endured: our nightly family dog walk.
When the kids were younger, it was easy to gather all four of us along with our canine friend for a stroll along the greenbelt. Nowadays, our full family ensemble comes together primarily on warm summer evenings when neither homework nor inclement weather interferes. Even then, it seems like our opportunities for these family outings are becoming scarce. Fortunately, this week, we found a window in our schedules on an unusually warm night, and off we went for a walk. It was a delightful way to end a busy day, and I would have considered the evening a resounding success with just the family dinner and walk—like hitting the jackpot!
But the night became even better.
In today’s fast-paced world of hyper-scheduled parenting, there are moments that cannot be planned or manufactured. After we returned home, I stepped outside to relax by the pool. I watched as my children prepared lemonade in the kitchen, fully anticipating they would grab their glasses and retreat to their individual spaces with their devices. To my surprise, one of them quietly ventured outside, soon followed by the other, with my spouse and the dog trailing behind. Without hesitation, we settled on the pool’s edge, continuing the easy-flowing conversation that had started during our walk. It was simply wonderful.
It felt like a precious gift.
As we navigate this transitional phase with our daughter preparing to head off to college in a few months and our son not far behind, like all parents, I have numerous hopes for their futures. However, my most selfish wish is that, even after they establish their own lives and families, we can still find moments to gather under the evening sky, enjoying each other’s company and sharing conversations about everything and nothing.
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Summary
This article reflects on the importance of unplugged family time and the joy of shared moments that can’t be scheduled. It highlights the significance of simple experiences, like family walks and spontaneous conversations, especially as children transition into adulthood. The author expresses a hope that even as their children grow and create their own lives, they will still find time to come together and enjoy each other’s company.