Yesterday we had a big family gathering to Celebrate Connor’s 4th Birthday, and Tessa’s 2nd Birthday. With birthday cupcakes, presents flying, kids flying, and enough hugs and giggles to give us all an energy boost. Everybody had a great time. Even Uncle Dan in the background photobombing!
It’s the kind of day you don’t track in miles–but you feel it. It was a workout just to stay focused on what was all happening. Just energy, noise, and magic that only a 2- and 4- year- old can generate. Tessa was full of smiles and danced with herself. Connor tore into his presents like a pro. And I found myself watching my grown kids become parents, wondering how time can stretch so fast and so full.
There are few things more grounding than grandkids. They don’t care about your title. They don’t know how tired you may actually be. They don’t ask about your to-do list. They just reach up. They ask you to play. And in that moment, you realize–this is the good stuff!
Not the polished photos. Not the perfect frosting swirls. Not the carefully wrapped gifts. It’s the sticky fingers grabbing yours. The cupcake crumbs on your shirt. The spontaneous hugs and belly laughs and “let’s go Grandpa!”
So, this weekend, it was a moment to forget about things. Relax, and take in life. I celebrated life through the eyes of two little ones who are growing way too fast. And I remembered that being present is its own kind of workout–maybe the most important one. My daughter Megan drove home, and Sarah and I were in the back seat–sleeping. It wore us out! It just goes to show that you may not be able to always measure love…but you can feel it–and it was all worthwhile! Keep moving everybody–if you don’t already, some day you will have grandkids that you have to keep up with because they never slow down!
Dr. Dan
Consecutive Exercise Day on newest streak: # 508