I was standing outside of my daughter’s daycare, waiting for the providers to bring her out. Next to me was another dad, patiently waiting for his daughter as well.

In typical dad fashion, we give each other the nod—the universal sign of acknowledgment that we understand each other’s lives. It’s also the only acceptable opening for conversation.

“Another day in paradise, right?” I ask.

He laughs.

“Yeah. Gotta enjoy it though, right?” he replies.
“You’re right. Especially now that we’re supposedly coming to an end.”
“I hope so.”

You have to enjoy it.

I’m often told the days are long, but the years are short. Before you know it, life will have gone by and all you’ll have is the memories of the time you spent together. You’ll have wished for more.

As tough as this past year has been, and it’s broken many of us… many times over… that comment couldn’t have come at a more opportune moment. My daughter emerged, looking down and sad.

I had some candy hidden in the car and gave it to her. She lit up. We went for pizza.

I’m never going to remember the days, but I’ll remember the moments. And they can only be remembered if they were enjoyed.