Time is precious. Cherish it.
Because my husband and I just spent 24 days with my almost 96 year old dad, Homer, this topic came to mind.
First, we found it’s easy to spend our time with Dad and cherish it, since he’s such a fun and easy person to be around.
As a result of flying to the family home I grew up in, where Dad still lives, before Christmas and then on to Daytona Beach, our 24 days together, was precious.
You see, Dad has joined us other years after Christmas at our condo in Daytona Beach. However, last year, at the beginning of 2024, he had a lung collapse and other serious health issues.
Quite honestly, his health was not good during his large 95th birthday party, at the beginning of April. We didn’t think he’d get to fly again.
Since myself and my four other siblings and spouses, all do our parts watching out for Dad, he was able to get well enough to enjoy himself at his summer home.
Time is so precious with him. We all feel this way.
Furthermore, after his November check ups with his pulmonologist, the congestive heart failure clinic PA and his family PA, he was cleared to fly again if he chose to.
At first, he told me no to going with us to Florida after Christmas. Then changed his mind before Thanksgiving.
Since there is more prep being gone for 19 days, with meds, his portable and night time oxygen concentrators, etc., I began helping with this at Thanksgiving when I was there.
In fact, one wish Dad had was to travel to Maine one last time to see extended family there on my mom’s side.
My oldest sister, Kathie and her husband Bill, flew with him there, October of 2025.
When he got home he told me he really enjoyed himself and was glad he went.
Choosing to cherish your moments and know that time is precious, helps you to live your best life.
Therefore, as I look back at our times together in Florida, I’m feeling sentimental.
Hence, this article about time being precious and cherishing it.
Dad, is very much a people person. As I watch him interact with everyone he is with or meets, my heart is full of so much gratitude.
Hale and Dad spent lots of time together walking by the water, going down to the dock etc. You see, Dad was a carpenter, and so is Hale. They both value so many of the same things in life as well.
Having two amazing men in my life, that really like each other, makes spending so much time all together, a pleasure.
I have one regret about our trip. I didn’t remember to pack the book my daughter gave to her grandpa, I’ve been filling out. It’s a book that prompts story telling from my dad, about his life.
However, naturally, he told Hale and I, many stories about his youth and past. I just didn’t have the book to record it all in.
What about you, do you slow down enough to know time is precious and find a way to cherish it?
Lastly, speaking of living your best life, Dad really is.
Not only does he tell me often, when I ask him if he had a good day, “I have a good day every day!”
With so much appreciation,
Connie
PS. Here are some photos from our time in Florida. We met up with my nephew and family at Gatorland. Also, my oldest niece, her husband and part of her family, had dinner with us on New Years Eve. The sunsets most evenings from our balcony, were spectacular! Precious moments.
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