“A Surprise Visit, A Priceless Memory”

By Jill E Wolforth – 

 

I remember when I was younger that older (and wiser) people around me would say things like:

 

“It feels like time speeds up as you get older.”

 

“You don’t realize how fast time moves until you look back.”

 

“Life waits for no one.”

 

“Seems like just yesterday…”

 

I remember thinking, Why do they all seem to say the same thing? And lo and behold, here I am today, shaking my head as I realize I now often think and say the same things. Funny how that happens, isn’t it?

 

And one of these “older” comments – “Enjoy the little moments; they become the big memories” – really hit home this month.

 

Earlier this month, Ron and I had the joy of jumping on a plane and surprising my dad for his 80th birthday in Maricopa, AZ. An 80th birthday—what a milestone! 

 

I have to say it, “It’s hard to believe how quickly the years have passed.”  It feels like just yesterday we were at the county fair with our 4-H projects or in the front yard playing catch, and now here we were, celebrating eight decades of his life.

 

I am very fortunate that both of my parents are still living and doing well. I realize I often take that for granted, something I try to remind myself not to do. On the other hand, both my mother- and father-in-law have passed away, and my husband has said there isn’t a day that goes by that he doesn’t miss them. I believe losing loved ones has a way of making you cherish the ones you still have even more.

 

Ron was actually the one who said, “We should fly to AZ and surprise your dad for his birthday.”  Although our January schedule was extremely busy, the timing worked perfectly, and I’m so glad it did. Seeing my dad’s face light up when we walked through the door was absolutely priceless.

 

My father, a former Angus cattle rancher, always tells everyone to have steak on their birthday so, of course, we had to do the same.  We dined at Perry’s and enjoyed some Certified Angus Beef. The kicker of the evening was in the birthday card they gave him which read, “Aged to Perfection”—quite apropos.

 

Although the trip was very short—just a little over 48 hours—we had a wonderful time with my parents. We laughed, reminisced, watched some college football, and simply enjoyed being together taking this little moment and turning it into a wonderful memory.

 

My share this week is simple:  Life won’t wait, and neither should we. If there’s someone in your life you’ve been meaning to call, visit, or reconnect with—do it now. Make the plans, take the time, and create the moments that matter.”

 


Me with my parents, Bill & Barb Rishel, for my Dad’s 80th birthday 


My father, Bill Rishel, with his “Aged to Perfection” card

 

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