I have been surprised at times how far I have come and what has happened in my life as I look back. I try not to do it too often, because I get vertigo when I look down at where I have been and sometimes at what lies ahead.
Sunday was a milestone. My son received his Eagle Scout rank at a ceremony with 4 of his close friends who had also distinguished themselves through service and honor. Wow was I proud. Both sets of grandparents were there. My wife and all the kids were there and there was food. What could be better. Yes, there was a funny slide show too.
As I gathered everyone for a family photo (you know the one where Dad sets up the camera on a timer and then runs to get in the picture before the flash blinds everyone and in hopes that no one walks in front of the camera when the moment comes) I just had a "this has to happen now" moment, when I realized such a meeting would not be likely in the next 20 years, if at all. The picture only took one try and was beautiful. Oops one person was missing. We went and got him and of course after taking the shot I noticed that we were now missing another person. Both had the same first name. I chalked it up to experience and resolved to edit the missing persons in.
Well my mind raced as I tried to spend every possible second talking to my parents. Time was short and I could see my past self in my son as I received my Eagle rank and as I tried to remember that moment the memory of my father transported me back to the present to see myself in my father. Then like a bomb I could not stop the momentum and my thoughts jumped 25 years into the future when I might, if all goes well, enjoy a time with my grandson as my Father was doing. And here I was in the middle, sensing how short life is and how much ground we cover in such a fleeting moment on earth.
I just want to stay on the path that leads home to a Father who would be proud of me when I return.
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