Yesterday, I spent two and a half hours with my father, creating a memory that I am certain will last a lifetime. I had a long list of tasks awaiting me, the first being to drop off some shirts for him. He was running errands in town, but my four-year-old son, Ethan, was already securely fastened in his car seat, so I asked Dad to wait a mere ten minutes for me to arrive. When I finally reached him (eleven minutes later), he was eagerly waiting outside.
We entered my grandparents’ house, which he and my mother are currently remodeling. He proudly showed me the progress he had made and discussed his plans for the next few rooms. He suggested we explore the attic together, which sparked memories of my childhood. My Grandma Millie’s attic was a treasure trove to me as a kid, where my cousin, Jake, and I would spend hours rummaging through trunks and boxes filled with items she had collected over the years. Most of her finds likely came from large auction hauls meant to annoy my grandfather.
Dad has been gradually cleaning out that attic, a task that takes considerable time. During the remodeling, he had removed the stairs, so we had to climb a ladder and squeeze through a small opening cut for a future spiral staircase. We rummaged through the attic, just as I did in my youth. I ended up taking home a vintage piece of floral fabric (likely from the 1960s), a still-packaged ticking pillowcase, and an anthology of Ralph Waldo Emerson. I left behind an immaculate antique Polaroid camera, a pristine Moses basket, and a host of other treasures my dad encouraged me to take.
After our attic adventure, Dad wanted to show Ethan and me the work he had completed on the property’s pond. We trudged through sticky red clay to see its new shape, along with his plans for a zip-line that would allow grandkids to plunge into the water. He then asked if I had seen the property corners, and of course, I hadn’t. This led us on a charming trek through the woods to discover them, one by one.
For the next two hours, we crossed small creeks, navigated thorny patches, and climbed steep hills, sometimes sliding down them too. We paused frequently to catch our breath, observing discarded debris left by unknown wanderers. We sat on rocks, felt the soft moss, spotted ferns and even cacti, and gazed across the valley at distant treetops. We discovered survey pins, property lines, and plenty of fresh air. We slowed down often, allowing Ethan’s little legs to keep pace, and Dad carried him a few times when he grew tired.
At times, I recalled the tasks I had set for the day, but I reassured myself with the thought, “I have nothing better to do.” This realization was perhaps the most profound I’ve had in a long while. While I had important and pressing matters to attend to, nothing could compare to the experience I was having at that moment.
For the first time in nearly 25 years, I was following my dad through the woods, just as he had taught me to walk down hills sideways to avoid slipping. I trusted his direction, enjoying our time together. I hope Ethan cherishes the memory of this woodland expedition with his Papa and recognizes its significance as he grows older.
I also wish for my daughters to understand the value of moments like these when they are grown. If their father wants to walk through the woods with them, I hope they realize that nothing else is more important than that shared time, even amidst their busy lives. I want them to appreciate the distinction between what is urgent and what is truly important, being present for the people who matter most. Efficiency should never overshadow meaningful memories.
Later that day, after Ethan expressed a desire to spend time with his grandmother, I recounted our adventures. Her eyes filled with tears as she reflected on the loss of her own father over 24 years ago. She understood the depth of that experience, saying, “What I wouldn’t give for one more opportunity like that.” She recognized that I had made the right choice to take that walk.
I am grateful for yesterday—two and a half hours spent with my father and son that are now etched in my heart. The woods, the laughter, and the connection with my dad were the best way I could have spent my day. We all have endless tasks to complete, but sometimes, it’s essential to pause and recognize that there is nothing more valuable than spending time with loved ones.
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Summary
In a heartfelt reflection, Jessica Martin shares her experience of setting aside a busy to-do list to enjoy a memorable walk with her father and son. This experience highlights the importance of prioritizing family moments over daily tasks and emphasizes the value of creating lasting memories.
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