If Every Day Was Last Saturday

There have been many times in my children's lives where I wished I could freeze them right where they were.  Keep them that age, and enjoy the same day forever, like Groundhog Day.

As six month old babies - so snuggly and warm, full of smiles and developing their own personality. As eight year old boys - rough and tumble, sweet and energetic, still thinking mom and dad are the smartest people ever.

And now, as older teenagers - intelligent and thoughtful, fun to be around, talented and with so much promise ahead.

Last Saturday was one of those days I wish I could do over and over.  

My younger son runs cross country, and his team hosts a meet every year called the "Twilight Invitational".  Over sixty schools from around the state converge on our local golf course for divisional 5K runs, and it's a big party that lasts all day.

The finish line with blow up arches.

The day started off cloudy and cool, but my hubby had made chili and hot dogs for the team, so they didn't mind!

Five hours to go until the boys varsity race!

By the time T's race started, the clouds had parted and we were treated to the most beautiful fall evening.  To top it off, T ran his fastest 5K ever, beating his previous personal record by over 30 seconds.

When it got dark, the kids gathered for one final "open" run.  There were light up arches and towers all around the course, and the athletes were dressed in costumes and glow in the dark accessories.  

As I watched hundreds of teenagers running around, full of youthful energy and excitement, I felt a little sad.  I don't have many days like this one left.  I was wishing it could be frozen in time, exactly as it was, for me to experience again and again.

But then I flashed to a cartoon my boys used to watch when they were little.  It was called "The Fairly Odd Parents", and in one particular episode little Timmy was granted a wish.  He decided he wanted it to be Christmas every day.  It was magical and exciting for a while, but then everyone started getting tired of Christmas.  It wasn't special anymore.

Even though it was wonderful, I know it can't be last Saturday every day.  I feel like time is going too fast, but it's moving in the direction it's supposed to go.  These special moments wouldn't be so special if they happened every day.  

And even though there won't be another day exactly like that one, I know many more special moments are waiting, moments I will want to freeze and savor.

I still wouldn't mind going back for a day and snuggling those babies again.