You're gonna miss this.

"You're gonna miss this
you're gonna want this back
you're gonna wish these days
hadn't gone by so fast.

These are some good times
so take a good look around.
You may not know it now
but you're gonna miss this."


Since we returned from our week in Nashville I've been making it a habit to hit the button on the radio tuned to the country music station.  After experiencing the devotion country music fans have for their music and musicians I decided there must be more to it than my original assessment.  I'll admit that I'm still not what I would call a "fan", but there is no denying that they have a gift for music that gets right to the heart of emotion.  One of my favorites is the song containing the lyrics above, "You're Gonna Miss This", by Trace Adkins (who I actually met in Nashville).  Video here. 

Every time I hear this song I wonder what it is about the human animal that struggles to live in the moment? Why do we always want what will come next more than what is happening now? There is no question that with age comes a certain wisdom and it truly has taken me to age 50 to realize how much I missed hurrying on to the next thing in life. 

The picture above is one of my dearest of my children.  I remember them so clearly that day, so blond and sweet.  Karl had just been given his first wrist watch and he was so proud of it.  Kysa wasn't quite 3 and always hurrying to keep up with Karl.  I also remember that I thought I would NEVER get her potty trained and that shopping for school supplies with Karl was just torture as he could never decide exactly what he wanted.  Those were some good times, and while I don't want them back, I do wish that I had appreciated them for the gifts they were at the time.  I would like back just a few more bed time stories in the rocking chair, a few more sweet baby hugs and kisses, a few more hours at the table after school hearing about their days.  Those were some good times and they are gone so fast.  I had no idea.  None at all.

Today my children have grown into two of the loveliest people I know.  They are both kind and thoughtful and generous of spirit.  Karl is nearing his goal of becoming a fireman and Kysa is less than 3 months from giving birth to our first grand-baby. I wish I was able to give them the gift of "now".  The knowledge that this moment will.not.come.again.  The ability to walk more slowly through life and absorb the joy, and the sorrow, as it happens. 

Cause Trace got it right, you're gonna miss this.

Comments

[Trina]

I think you are giving them some of that. Your Wednesday night Family dinners are so special. How many other family's with children Karl and Kysa's age get together once a week for dinner and to play games and talk?
I think you are giving them (and them to you) an extraordinary gift.

[KnittyLynn]

Did you mean to make me cry?? Meanie!

I have a 2 daughters, 5 and 9. With them being 3 1/2 yrs apart I have managed to stop and enjoy more. It's so bittersweet, isn't it?

You will adore your grandchild. My mom told me she was so stunned by how much she instantly loved her grandchildren. The love was there. :)