Over the past few years, I’ve found myself looking in two different directions at once.
At home, my wife and I are raising a young daughter, with another little one on the way this fall. Every week seems to bring a new milestone, and I’m constantly reminded just how quickly childhood passes.
At work, I spend much of my time with families who are caring for aging parents and friends. I see adult children navigating difficult conversations, celebrating small victories, and trying to make the best decisions they can for the people who once cared for them.
It’s made me realize something – many of us are living through both seasons at the same time.
We’re celebrating first steps while quietly recognizing that our parents are taking a few slower ones. We’re helping our children become more independent while realizing our parents may eventually need a little more support themselves. It’s a strange place to be.
Children slowly need us less. Parents slowly need us more. Somewhere in the middle, we’re trying to appreciate one season without overlooking the other. One of the things serving families has taught me is that very few people regret spending too much time with the people they love. The regrets usually run the other direction. We wish we’d made one more visit. One more phone call. One more ordinary Tuesday evening around the dinner table.
Life is busy. Careers demand our attention. Kids have practices and activities. Parents have doctor appointments. There always seems to be one more email to answer or one more errand to run. But the people we love won’t always be in the season they’re in today.
So, call your parents. Read one more bedtime story. Stay a little longer after dinner. Put the phone away for an evening. Because someday, we’ll realize those ordinary moments weren’t ordinary at all. They were the moments that mattered most.
James Muench is the owner of BrightStar Care of Flower Mound, Grapevine, Southlake and Keller, providing companion care, personal care, and skilled nursing services for families throughout Denton and Tarrant counties. He also serves in the U.S. Navy Reserve and lives in Flower Mound with his wife, Helen, and their growing family. Questions about caring for an aging parent, recovering from surgery, or helping a loved one remain safely at home? BrightStar Care is happy to help. To learn more or schedule a complimentary care consultation, call (214) 800-5566 or visit BrightStarCare.com.
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