Time marches on...

 

"Time flies when you're having fun"...that's how the saying goes, well it's true. Sadly it also flies when things aren't as enjoyable, basically it is scary how quickly years can whizz past, regardless of how much you are making the most of your time.

The photo above shows how quickly periods in time can fly past; it seems not too long ago when I had two tiny little babies who had won my heart, despite all the crying, stress and nappy changes. I blinked and they were no longer babies but toddlers, walking around bumping into things and waking us up at the crack of dawn to watch another episode of Yo Gabba Gabba, Titch or the Wiggles.
Shortly afterwards I stupidly turned around to make myself a much-needed cup of coffee and BANG the toddlers were now children, ready to go to school and make new friends, their personalities were now a lot more evident and their thirst for answers about everything was immense. After reading another few poems from 'A Light in the Attic' to them to lull them off to sleep, I closed my eyes for a micro-snooze and I was woken up by them both leaving middle school to go to high school! They are both well on their way to being awesome young men now. They have some great friends, they are kind, clever, honest, considerate, funny and both well aware of those who care about them, etc. I couldn't be more proud of how they have turned out.

Yet, there are still those little moments where I can easily miss them whilst looking directly at them; this is the weird part of being a parent. The nostalgia hits hard, and often. I never really feel sad about the march of time though, it's a natural process, and I love spending time with them just as much - if not more, as when they were tiny. However, if I could just pop back in time for a day to when they were toddlers wanting to hear another bedtime story or build a castle out of blocks - I would in a heartbeat. 

Everyone has different phases of their lives and it takes all of those tiny moments to form a well-rounded human, and as cheesy and naff as it sounds; the main ingredient to bind all of those moments together? Love!

The Beatles sang "all we need is love" and they were right, that is all that is really needed in life. Sure, money and food helps, but without love what exactly are we doing?

I'm lucky in the respect that I have those I love and care about and indeed, I have some who care about me and it's an amazing feeling. I'm not talking about "tolerating" me but "accepting" me, just like I accept all facets of others personalities and actions. That acceptance in itself is love. I use the word 'love' a lot, but it's always genuine when I say it, so if I've ever said it to you - I really do love you; be it as family or friend, (often those two things are indistinguishable as mentioned before).

So, what does all of this have to do with time flying past? I guess, (and yes I realise this corny), when you love and care for someone, anyone - that younger version of that person, the version you miss - is still there, they may have changed, got a bit older, etc, BUT they, (final warning here of incoming schmaltz), will always be the same person that you love, so by all means bask in nostalgia but also embrace any change and just spread the love people!

The people I'm close to; my wife, sons, nieces, nephews, certain siblings, friends and friends kids all hold a special place in my heart and sure, I am very sentimental and prone to reminiscing of times gone by so I will think back to times we've spent together and despite the slight tinge of melancholy - these memories bring me joy and comfort. I love these people in the here and now and that's whats important really. 

Enjoy every moment, it really is fleeting. If you have a young child who isn't sleeping and demanding a cuddle or another story, etc, honestly embrace that moment in time. Nothing can compare to having those memories stored away to bring you comfort in the future. I get quite lonely at times and sometimes it's those memories that make me feel less alone, (it's worth mentioning here that I have an innate ability to feel lonely in a whole room of people, so this isn't self-pity, this is just facts). 

Anyway, I best go check on the teenagers in case they have got to start work, get a mortgage or something equal adult-like...