Living almost two full provinces away from each other, I don't get to see my parents very often.
In fact, I think the last time I saw them in person was when my spouse and I met them in Saskatchewan in 2019 for a funeral.
Between work, school and the pandemic, I just have never managed to make it out to the coast.
I know, it's an excuse.
It just feels like there is always going to be more time.
However, a day blurs into a week, which then blurs into a month and before you know it six months go by, then a year, then multiple years.
I've heard it said that days are long but years are short, and that is absolutely true, which is why I am glad that I recently had the opportunity to spend some time with my folks.
They decided to come out for an Alberta road trip at the beginning of August and stayed with us for a few days.
It was a great time, and an opportunity to make some memories.
We broke bread, we toured the area, Dad picked my brain about flying drones, had a chance to fly one, and asked about switching from Windows to Mac.
We watched a couple of movies of movies and even attended a local concert, mixing work and pleasure, as well and basically enjoyed the limited time we had together.
My biggest regret was that it wasn't a long visit, but they needed to continue their journey before heading home.
I also wish I could have carved away a little more downtime from work, but it is what it is. Work keeps me plenty busy, and they understand that.
Instead of pining for what could have been, the best thing we can do is enjoy the time we had together.
Something I learned through both my past life as a first responder and through my mental health journey is that today is a gift, any time with your loved ones is a blessing, regret over the past gets in the way of today, and tomorrow is not guaranteed.
The time was short, but we made the most of it.
I'm glad they made the trip out, and I am grateful for the memories we made.
We are already talking about a trip out to see my parents on the island next year; we can't let another four years go by without seeing them.
With my parents getting older, I definitely appreciated the time I was able to spend with them.
-Kevin Sabo is the editor of the Stettler Independent and a journalist for Black Press Media.
