Sometimes You Have To Stop And Smell The Roses

Everyday we do so many things so quickly that we take life for granted and we dont stop to appreciate what is right in front of us. Yesterday in the sweltering 90 degree weather Patrick, Kathleen, and I went down to Menlo Park so Kathleen could try out for an 18/under travelling softball team. We parked the car and all the girls entered the field on the left side through a small opening in the fence. Patrick in his jogging stroller and myself went along the fence to a set of bleachers at the far right side of the field. He got bored quickly and wanted to be with the girls. There was another fence opening right in front of us which he refused to use. Patrick made me walk with him around the outside of the fence all the way back to the left side of the field where the girls entered; he has followed people before but never has he sat, processed, and then decided that is what I want to do. When we arrived at the dugout the coach said "did you know there was an entrance right where you started?" and to her I replied "yes but he wanted to enter where the girls came in; he wanted to get here the same way they did". As we went to leave 2 hours later we were hot, sweaty, and hungry. I said "Patrick we have to walk to your stroller." As everyone dispersed in all directions Patrick looked at his stroller and took the fast path instead of the marathon around the fence. Again he processed the information and decided which way to go. Life is too short and moves way too fast. Sometimes we just need to stop and smell the roses.
Oh, and by the way Kathleen made the team!