The Passing of Youth

Do not regret growing older. It is a privilege denied to many. - Anonymous

Before V was born, I thought a lot about all the things that I would not have time to do once she arrived. I thought about the stories my parents (and everyone else) would tell me about how life was before I was born. They used to go do all sorts of stuff all the time - canoeing, skiing, etc.... until they had me and my brother.

Now that I am in the same position, I realize why I so willingly give up doing all the cool, fun things that I love to do: it's just cooler to hang out with Anna and V during my free time.

I'm not saying that the desire to grab my board and run outside doesn't exist anymore. Now that the weather is warming up, I know that pull will be there. But hanging out in the park with V will be so much more fun - watching her figure out how to grab the grass, learn what flowers smell like, and be fascinated by pigeons.

I saw the quotation above a few days ago online. It is what started me thinking about the things of my youth that I will have to leave behind for now. But I am also thinking about all the amazing things parenthood will bring too. And, in time, I'll teach V how to skate and regain that a little part of my youth and help V enjoy hers.