A dreaded task that now is a treasured memory with Dad

Growing up it was my responsibility to assist my dad in trimming the bushes that lined the front yard of our house.
I dreaded those Saturdays.
I was the oldest of 3, and my dad the oldest of 7, said pretty much "yes it stinks to be you and I get it".
So it went.
I raked. I bagged. I stayed put until I was released.
I wanted to go hop on my bike, go to the park, throw a softball at a brick wall. I just didn't want to be there doing what I was doing.
This weekend in what felt like 128 degree heat I had to trim our front bushes.
I started off in a bad mood really being mad that I had bushes out front of our house, then as I set up the trimmer, the step ladder, and started attacking I had a flash back and I was back following my Dad around working with him.
As I worked I remembered my wanting the task at hand with Dad to be over as fast as possible, and as I worked on my own bushes I would have given anything to be with him raking up the trimmings and following him as he did a task he most likely dreaded doing as well but we kept each other company.
I missed that company and do every day.
That moment of flashback made me realize how many dreaded tasks we do that we mutter through and wish would end and when they do we painfully and regretfully wish we would have realized the greater gift we had and that has now passed.
Kids sports.
Making lunches for the kids.
Getting up early to make coffee for your spouse.
Midnight feedings.
Caring for loved ones who are ill.
Babies that beg to be held.
Driving your child to school.
Moving your college student in, and more challenging...moving your college student out.
Planning the wedding.
Being patient when the memory or body fails.
Writing letters to loved ones.
Waking up your child for school.
Visiting with grandparents.
Calling your parents.

All of these things seem so daunting and time consuming.
Our lives are so busy and we are just a body in motion wishing we could rest.
Then the motion stops.
No more tasks needed to be done.
No more passengers need a ride.
No more assistance is needed from us.
No more calls need to be made.

I readjusted my attitude and I worked at my task at hand trying to work at the bushes with the work ethic and dedication that my dad had to the task and to his family.
Sometimes we just need to remember that inconvenience is temporary. The end of the task we thought was a task without realizing it was a blessing is forever.
This is just a moment in time.
We blink and move past it.
I will try harder to embrace the moments and enjoy the memories knowing they are all precious gifts of love that fuel me.
#missyoudad
#lookingforwardtonexttime
#savorthemoments
#justachapter
#blinkanditisover
#itisnotasbadaswethink
#memorymakingmoments
#godhugs
#blessed #thankful
#savorthemoments

Wishing you peace and wonderful memory making moments to savor,
Terri

Terri O’Neill-Borders

Email- terri@hopeandfriendshipfoundation.com

Website- www.hopeandfriendshipfoundation.com

Wordpress- http://hopeandfriendshipfoundation.wordpress.com/

Hope and Friendship Foundation
721 Hickory St, Lemont, IL 60439
630-816-4972

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Proverbs 31: 8-9