This morning my son wanted to go on a bike ride.

Of course, I happily obliged as I know there will be a time when it will be the last time he asks me. However, this turned out to be a different ride than I expected.

We repeatedly stopped every minute or two so he could dismount and examine the changing leaf colours… or look at a rock… or climb a hill… or look at a hole…

It was all incredibly frustrating until it occurred to me he’s noticing details about the scenery I would have never paid attention to had I been riding solo. They would’ve been lost in the periphery without a second thought to their existence.

No problem buddy, I can wait here while you go look at a pine cone. And while you’re at it, do you see the Blue Jay on that branch above?

Now I’m paying attention to the details as well.