Life in a box... memory making

Growing up in a small town and as part of the last generation (or one of them) that wasn’t poisoned with tablets, smartphones, online gaming, streaming TV etc. I spent a lot of my time outside doing things. We explored a lot, rode bikes everywhere and yes we used our imagination... crazy right?

I always had a creek or a field behind me at the homes I grew up. When I was younger we had a home that I explored the neighbors barn and the pond behind us had crawfish that my brothers would show me how to fish for. One home had a huge field behind it and I would go to the creek bed with my G.I. Joe’s and imagine war situations. I rode my bike all over the neighborhoods and we would make up stories about the crazy things that happened back in the woods. Exploration was a fond memory of mine and so were the fun times I had.

Unfortunately, my kids have spent most of their life in a more urban environment. I’ve done my best to make memories for them by taking them places and letting them have the freedom to explore or just be free to have fun. Granted, I am much more protective over my kids then when I was growing up, mostly because they are girls and weirdos are more prevalent now.

This weekend we went with friends on another hike and we found a creek that had surprisingly clear water and so I let them play, swim, and eventually lead me on a trek like we were in the Amazon or the jungle. I felt like a poor man’s Bear Grylls for about 10 minutes. They were barefoot walking for about a half mile in the creek grabbing rocks and shells. I was a little nervous but I figured it would be good for them to do something other than an APP. Memories are getting harder and harder to make these days and I’m determined to be that guy who makes them with his kids.

Memories are important when we get older because it helps us share our story. I don’t want my kids to say “well all I did growing up was play video games and sit on my phone.” We all have a story to tell when we become adults and I want my kids stories to be about the time dad took them fishing, or hiking in the creek, or skipping rocks across a pond. Anything that they can reflect on with a warm heart and joy. The small stuff that they will love when telling their kids what it was like for them growing up. The things I’ll get to say and do as grandparent.

Stay safe, but not too safe. Memories are only made once...