Spending time with family
Submitted by jcht2010 on
Jessica Coleman
Staff Writer
This past weekend, I went kayaking. It seems like a small thing, something lots of families do in their off time, but sometimes small things make us realize big things, and that's exactly what happened.
The thing about a kayak is, you may flip over. I didn't, but the possibility of it happening did keep me from taking my cell phone on board with me.
I sat out there on Lake Corpus Christi, in a teensy little boat that may or may not stay upright, with my little three-legged dog Vivien on the front like the mermaid on the front of a ship (in case anyone wonders, yes, she can swim).
My husband and daughter floated peacefully in the kayak a few yards from me. Waves made a cathartic, repetitive "plsh plsh plsh" sound against us and the shore, and I realized how much beauty there is in this world that I miss, because my eyes are on a screen, accepting friend requests, arguing with strangers about politics, and looking at pictures of cats trying to fit into boxes far too small for them. Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr, Reddit, Pinterest – you name it, I have an account.
Don't misunderstand. I'm not swearing off the internet. It has a definite place in my life. Social media has helped me rescue more dogs than I can count. I've found foster homes, forever homes, and donations for veterinary care, including Vivien's amputation when she first came to us, using Facebook.
I also have dear friends I don't get to see in person because they live across the country (heck some even live across oceans), and the internet is an amazing tool for keeping in touch.
What I'm saying is, I think it's time I found little more balance and appreciated the world around me more. My children aren't going to stay little forever. My pets need walks and attention. My husband needs attention (heck, he may even like a walk now and then, too).
There is so much beauty in the world and it seems like even when I am "appreciating it," it's through a tiny little screen, so I can snap a photo and stick it on Instagram. Is that really appreciation? I'm not so sure it is.
Am I really making memories with my family if I'm behind the screen the entire time, or am I recording the memories they're making while I am there, but not really there.
I'm sure my daughter and my dog don't need their photo taken 40 times a day. In fact, I bet they'll both be happier when I am 100 percent present while we're playing Candy Land or throwing a tennis ball. One photo to capture special moments seems sufficient, and then my family, friends, pets, whoever, can have my full, undivided attention. That's how you make a memory.
My goal for my immediate future and beyond is to see the world with my eyes, and to spend genuine, focused time with those who love me, regardless of whether they have two legs, four legs, or even three.
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