More than just fishin’

I know there will be a lot of ‘firsts’ in Brooks’s life. Some I will be happy about, and some I won’t. If I have to hunt him and Pretty Girlie down at make-out point because neither are responding to whatever mobile device exists at the time, this will be one mad mamma.

But for now, I can still tilt my head to the side, smile, and let out a loud “awwww…” each time he experiences a ‘first.’

Yesterday, he and Daddy went on their first fishing trip. They packed their little tackle box, a cooler for the fish, big and little fishing poles, some chairs, and were on their way.

Did they take snacks? No. Drinks? No. Sunscreen? No. Those are always on Mommy’s list. And this was a Daddy and Brooks trip, as was stated several times.

Anyway, the men folk were apparently fine without the essentials because when they returned home yesterday evening, both wore huge smiles and five pitiful little fish were ready to be gutted and thrown on the grill.

I remember many of my ‘firsts’ and appreciate the impact they all had on my character, persona, and collective life memory. Because of this, I know that yesterday was about much more than fishing.

A little boy and his dad were outside for three hours by themselves with nothing to do but talk and fish. Laughs were shared. Lessons were learned.

Sometimes I’m so busy I forget that everything we do every day is contributing to the boys’ childhood memories. That all of their ‘firsts’ will forever be in their memories. That’s pretty dang cool when you think about it.

When I feel frantic or anxious or stressed or tired, I remember to smile and breathe. I do this because I know that I will be a main character in my children’s life movie. When they grow up and fondly think of their own sweet childhoods, I’ll be there…always and forever.  And I want their memories of me to be as wonderful as possible.