Memory Laps

 Most Monday mornings find me headed to the gym for a fitness class. It is a great way to begin the week  and sets the tone for healthy habits.

This Monday, I went through the regular routine and as I pulled into the gym parking lot, noticed it was a bit empty. I knew this was a Columbus Day Holiday, but didn't think to check beforehand if gym class was cancelled to celebrate...but alas, it was. There are a few stores I had planned to make stops at following gym class, but one wouldn't open for over an hour....what to do during that time?

There is a sportsplex in our town that has a walking path and was close to my shopping area. I pulled in and began walking down the path which circles baseball fields.  Every part of the circle path took me back in my mind to days gone by way too fast. With three sons, we spent many a day at this park playing almost every sport they offer. My memories went to the baseball game in July being pregnant and hot and just two days later I delivered our youngest son. Walking along the parking lot, I remembered hours of sitting in the car waiting while the boys practiced sports, in that car, feeding babies, changing diapers and entertaining toddlers. Packing large bags of snacks and toys to keep the youngest entertained while trying to keep up with the games. 

As the years went by, we spent more time at that park, but as boys grew, we could walk the path while brother was at practice. Soon, the youngest was out there himself, practicing and playing a variety of sports. Many an evening was spent rushing home from school, doing homework, getting dinner ready and headed to the park. They practiced, I walked, round and round the path, just like our sport season routine. Many a day I just wanted to stop the crazy circle and jump off. 

All of our boys are now grown and graudated and we hardly ever visit that park anymore. Today, it was like visiting an old friend. Fond memories filled my heart and mind, but as time and seasons change, I wasn't bound to the busy sports schedule. It was a wonderful time to remember but also time to adapt and embrace the lifestyle of independance and freedom we enjoy in the empy nest. 

Sometimes it is good to walk a memory lap or two. Some seasons feel so intense, we think they will never end. They will, change is always just a few steps ahead. The secret to moving from one season to another is to keep taking steps forward. Keep a steady pace, take time to look around and enjoy the season's highlights and then look up, there is something new and exciting right around the corner.