That day on the bus

YAY for finally feeling better! I am so ready to great this day and get some work done without feeling awful! (However, I am still in my pajamas courtesy of the Nyquil knocking me out until 10am).

Anyways, today I wanted to share something important from my childhood. In fact, it may become a theme for the next few days, don’t hold your breath on that because I may forget by tomorrow, but in any case, let’s begin.

This morning I was reminiscing about my childhood and recognizing how incredibly blessed I was growing up and out of no-where I remembered a conversation I had, probably in the 5^th or 6^th grade with a girl in my class.

We were on the bus going home from school and all of our other friends had already been dropped off, so it was just the two of us in our grades section. I have no idea how the conversation came up but to this day I remember exactly what she said.

This girl was a competitive gymnast and dedicated a lot of time to her sport. She would train late, compete, and the sport truly sucked up a lot of her time.

I know that I asked her about how gymnastics was and commented on how great it must be to have something you love so much. Her response was not at all what I was expecting. As we sat there discussing her crazy schedule and how it compared to my WAY relaxed life, she looked at me and said, “At least you get to see your dad.”

I didn’t know what to say to that. I thought this girl had it great! She was popular and used to pretty much getting her way. Her parents were completely onboard with letting her chase her gymnast dreams. I didn’t understand. Her response stopped my dead in my tracks and it was the first time I was ever made aware of just how important time with your parents is.

She was right. I was so blessed because my dad and my mom both worked from home. They were there when I got home and any time that I needed them. We were constantly having quality family time. I never expected to hear one of the most popular girls in my grade say that she was jealous of the time I got to spend with my dad because she never saw hers.

This lesson is one that I have never forgotten. The things and time wasters in this life are not what matter. The connections and time with your loved ones are EVERYTHING. I will never forget that day on the bus and what that 12-year-old girl said to me. It was raw and completely honest.

Please don’t neglect the relationships in your life. The gifts you give are no substitute for quality time.