I spent a beautiful two and a half hours with my dad yesterday, creating a memory that I know will stay with me forever. My to-do list was packed, with the first task being to drop off some shirts for him. He was planning to run errands in town, but since my four-year-old son, Liam, was already strapped into his car seat, I asked Dad to hold off for just ten minutes. When I arrived (a minute late), he was waiting outside, ready to go.
We headed into my grandparents’ house, which he and my mom are currently remodeling. He shared his progress and excitedly explained his vision for the next few rooms. One of his proposals was to take Liam and me up into the attic for a little adventure.
As a child, my Grandma Mary’s attic felt like a treasure trove. My cousin, Jake, and I would spend hours rummaging through trunks and boxes, unearthing all sorts of curiosities that Grandma had collected through the years. Most of her treasures likely came from the auction lots she bought just to tease my grandpa.
Dad has been working tirelessly on cleaning that attic, but what a daunting task it is! During the remodel, he had to remove the stairs. So, we climbed a ladder propped against the wall and squeezed through a small hole cut for a future spiral staircase. We rummaged around, just like the old days. I ended up bringing home a vintage piece of cotton fabric with a floral pattern, a ticking pillowcase still in its original packaging, and a collection of Ralph Waldo Emerson’s works. I left behind a pristine antique Polaroid camera and a perfectly intact Moses basket, among other things Dad insisted I take.
Once we were back on solid ground, Dad wanted to show us the work he had done on the pond. We trudged through the sticky red clay to admire the new layout and discuss where the zip-line would go—the one he hopes the grandkids will thrillfully use to dive into the water. Then he asked if I had seen the property corners. Naturally, I hadn’t, so we ventured into the woods to check them out.
For the next couple of hours, we crossed creeks, navigated through thorny patches, climbed steep hills, and slid down some too. We paused frequently to catch our breath. We stumbled upon debris left behind by people unknown to us, sat on rocks, felt the soft moss beneath us, spotted ferns, and even cacti—a curious find indeed. We gazed across the valley at distant treetops, located survey pins, and enjoyed the fresh air. We slowed down to allow Liam’s little legs to keep up, and several times Dad carried him on his shoulders when fatigue set in.
Throughout our adventure, my to-do list crossed my mind, but I quickly brushed it aside. I realized that there was genuinely nothing more fulfilling I could be doing at that moment. For the first time in over two decades, I was wandering through the woods with my dad, trusting him to lead the way, just as he had taught me when I was a child. I hope Liam holds onto this memory of his Papa as he grows, realizing how precious that time was for all of us.
I also hope that when my daughters are older, they’ll recognize that if their dad wants to take a walk in the woods, it’s a moment that outweighs any task on their to-do list. I strive to teach them the importance of distinguishing between what feels urgent and what truly matters, encouraging them to be present for the people they love. I want them to understand that productivity isn’t everything and that meaningful memories cannot be checked off a list.
Later that afternoon, when we visited my mother-in-law, I shared our day’s adventures. She became emotional, reminiscing about her own father, whom she lost over 24 years ago. She understood fully that I had made the right choice to take that walk.
I am incredibly grateful for the time spent with my dad and my son—a precious two and a half hours that can never be taken away. I’m thankful for the chance to wander through the woods together and for a father who values such moments. Our to-do lists may be long, but let’s not forget that sometimes, even with important tasks at hand, there’s simply nothing better to do than spend time with our loved ones.
For those interested in home renovations, check out more about this topic at Home Renovation. And if you’re curious about the journey of parenthood, Healthline offers excellent resources. For further insights, visit Intracervical Insemination.
Summary
Taking a break from a busy to-do list to enjoy quality time with loved ones can lead to cherished memories. This article reflects on a special day spent with family, highlighting the importance of prioritizing relationships over productivity. Let’s remember that sometimes, the most meaningful moments are those that can’t be checked off a list.