This week I was on the road for three days and drove a 1000 miles and saw 5 hotels. I was beat. When I got back yesterday afternoon, my oldest granddaughter was spending the afternoon at our house with Elaine and our youngest granddaughter had ballet practice later that afternoon. When the time came we loaded up and went to watch ballet class and go out to eat afterwards. Fun time together.

It was the sweetest thing watching a room full of 3 year olds with their ballet outfits on learning what to do. There was joy, laughing, dancing, crying and bathroom breaks all rolled up in the one hour session. Ha. It was so very precious.

It was one of those times when I didn’t take any phone calls, look at emails or answer any texts. I was in that moment with my two granddaughters. I don’t suppose I will ever forget yesterday at ballet class as it was that precious to me.

I do not know this to be true but I suspect it is. When you get close to the end of life, if you were asked, what the most important things are, I would guess it doesn’t involve work. I would guess you would say, my family and my relationship with God. As a dad I think men want to know that their family is ready for life without them and to know that you did life right and were the example your children needed to see. Also for men, I think it is knowing you had the courage to do what was right and stand up for what you believe.

So often we don’t realize what a gift time is until we are out of it. The most valuable thing you own, is time. It is the one measurement that cannot be replaced. Once it is gone, there is not enough money in the world to buy more.

This week, when you see your family, be there in the moment and bank those memories. Tell them you love them and kiss them whether they want you to or not. Do not let the moments of life slip away over anger, pride, jealousy and strife. Look them in the eye, tell them you love them, squeeze them and put a big sloppy kiss on their cheek. Let there be no doubt of your love. KT