My 5 year old daughter started school this week. It's a big deal in the Murphy household. I was trying to come up with some important words of advice. Something both sage and relevant to the mind of a 5 year old girl. Something she could take with her and use as a foundation for her education.
When 7am rolled around, Erin came to me to say goodbye before she headed off to school. I got down on my knees, at eye level with my daughter, and gave her a big hug. I pulled back and said to her these words....
"Buddy (that's what I call her) make sure to listen to your teacher, always raise your hand and if you have any questions, just ask". As I take a deep breath to give her the next meaningful line, my daughter reached out with her right hand, placed it on my cheek and said (while rolling her eyes) "Daddy, it's going to be ok. If I have any questions, I will ask my teacher. I have to go to school now". (leans in and kisses me) "I will see you when you get home..I love you".
My daughter just "big timed me".
Erin taught me a lesson. You see, you can't get so caught up in the events that you forget to take in the experience. To get so consumed by the "moment" that you forget to just enjoy what is about to happen. I was so fixated and trying to make an impact on her, forgot that this was her moment. Yes, it was just as much my moment as a father, but she was about to start her journey of education and she wanted to get started ASAP. Like someone getting ready to ride a roller coaster, she had no intention of standing in line. Bring on the ups and downs and don't dwell on the details!
Like many people, I get caught up in the moment and forget to take a deep breath, look around and realize what is happening. My head gets all wrapped up in the gravity of things and, like any dad who wants to hold his little girl for just a little while longer, I need to let go. Loosen up. Take in the moment, put my hands in the air and let my stomach shoot up into my throat while life takes me on a 90mph barrel roll.
The words didn't come to me as I was choking back the tears and saying goodbye. It wasn't till later, after reflecting upon the moment, did I remember a line from the movie Ferris Bueller's day off that pretty much summed up the moment.
"Life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it".
Amen.
