Last Things
Time moves fast. I know it’s cliché, and it’s cliché for a reason. It’s one of those clichés you should actually take to heart.
At the end of 2024, I took my family on a big vacation down to Fort Myers. Flew all 10 of us down there, got an incredible Airbnb, rented a boat to go fishing out on the Gulf. It was only five days, but we planned it smart. One-way flight. Airbnb only a few minutes from the airport. We were able to make the most of every day.
I think it was one of the best family vacations we ever had.
A lot of memories were made. I spent good time just hanging out, swimming in the pool or the ocean, talking with the kids, being present.
What I did not know at the time was that it would be the last family vacation with just me, my wife, and our eight kids.
Before we could take another one, my oldest son got engaged at 19 and married at the start of this year.
Now, I couldn’t be happier. I love him. I love my daughter-in-law. I’m eager for grandchildren. And I’m sure before long we’ll do another big trip, only this time two Foster families will go together.
But I didn’t know that was the last one.
And I’m very glad I went all out and don’t have regrets.
It makes me think: what “last thing” will I do this year? This summer? Even today?
So I pray…
God, keep me sober-minded. Help me make the most of what you’ve put in front of me.
Thanks for this apt reminder. My son is getting his driver permit today. The acceleration feels palpable….
Great point! The youngest o fmy 4 is now a sophomore; the oldest has 2 kids. We went on a vacation to France last summer with the 4 kids, the first grandchild, and hte son-in-law. It was golden. But whether we can do it again, now with one-and-a-half inlaws, a second grandchild, and another on the way, is doubtful.
So: splurge when in-laws and grandchildren are not yet in sight, on a grand vacation. Journal it and photograph it, and be very sentimental. Having a next generation is great, but the logistics get hard.