Thursday, March 28, 2024

Cherishing our family time

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Cherishing our family time

 

Whether we get to spend time with loved ones every day, or because of the circumstances of life we get to see them far less often than we’d like to, there’s something priceless about getting to spend quality time with family.

I was recently able to spend three wonderful weeks with my 11-year-old son (he turns 12 next month) and they were honestly some of the best days of my life.

In addition to playing video game and going places (including some of his favorite restaurants) and swimming, there was something special about just being together.

I know at times in the past, I’ve sometimes been distracted by work, a good book or who knows what things we have that occupy our time, and we are sometimes not really connecting with those around us.

You see it all the time with people engrossed in their electronic devices. There’s certainly nothing wrong with staying connected electronically, but it’s important not to let that electronic connection cut you off from the real world.

Even in three weeks, there simply wasn’t enough time to do all the things we wanted to do.

One of the things my son and I enjoyed was watching some movies and shows together. While we can get something positive out of watching an uplifting or entertaining show on our own, there’s something about being able to experience that with people we care about that makes the experience so much better.

I have seen the movie “The Princess Bride” multiple times, and every time I’ve watched it, I’ve enjoyed the movie.

But earlier this month, I watched the movie for the first time with my son. I never fully appreciated the way the grandfather and grandson connect in the moments outside the main story until watching the movie with my son for the first time. It took a fun experience and elevated it to a completely different level.

I definitely look forward to spending more time with my son later this summer, celebrating his 12th birthday and having fun. But the best thing will just be getting to be with him.

I am definitely glad that electronics help us stay better connected with loved ones, but there’s just something about being in the same room with someone that makes it that much better.

What do you think, Lu?

Tallulah:  I honestly don’t understand the fascination people have with little boxes that glow and make noise, but I guess I just process information differently. It was great to spend time with Sam those three weeks. He’s a fun big brother, he treats me great and he’s cool to be with.

One thing I notice is that when you seem to be all preoccupied by one of those glowing boxes, I come up to you and you almost always take the time to talk to me, pet me or give me a treat.

I enjoy spending time with people, and I know other pets do, too.

We may not be distracted by those glowing boxes, but to be honest we have our distractions, too. Seeing a squirrel or a cat flit by the window, hearing the hum or an engine or hearing someone make noise in an area that’s too close all command our attention.

I just want to remind people not to forget that pets are family, too!

Jeff Osborne and Tallulah can be reached at Jeff@gatesvillemessenger.com.