The Trip to the Circus

Despite the changes which come into our lives and with gratitude in our hearts, may we fill our days—as much as we can—with those things which matter most. May we cherish those we hold dear and express our love to them in word and in deed.—Thomas S. Monson

Arthur Gordon in his book entitled A Touch of Wonder pays this tribute to his father:

“When I was around thirteen and my brother ten, Father had promised to take us to the circus. But at lunchtime there was a phone call; some urgent business required his attention downtown. We braced ourselves for disappointment. Then we heard him say [into the phone], ‘No, I won’t be down. It’ll have to wait.’

“When he came back to the table, Mother smiled. ‘The circus keeps coming back, you know,’ [she said.]

“‘I know,’ said Father. ‘But childhood doesn’t.’—Arthur Gordon, A Touch of Wonder (1974), 77–78

Stephen Covey tells a similar story from his own life about a special trip he made with one of his children and a lucrative business opportunity came up just before he was to take his child to the event they had come for.  Should he do as his client suggested and come for just a few hours to consummate the deal?  Or should he honor the commitment he had made to his child.  It is moments like this that define not only our true character as a father but forever etch in the hearts and minds of our children just how much they matter to us.

Take Time To Plan a Special Event or Trip With Your Child or Grandchild

As we approach Father’s Day, why not take advantage of the opportunity to plan a special event or trip with your child or grandchild.  You don’t have to go far away.  Perhaps, it would be that new “Putt-Putt Golf” course.  Or if you have a friend who is a fireman see if you can tour the local firestation.  If your child or grandchild is fascinated by planes or trains, you could plan a trip on their favorite mode of transportation.  The possibilities are endless.  The memories you make will be priceless.

Comments

[Dick Buxton]

When our four children were very young and I was building a business that required full attention and taking some post grad courses that filled most of the rest of my waking hours family time was limited.

So, we came up with family Pal Day's: Sunday afternoon drives with the family- composing a song we all sang to start the drive, adding a stanza for that day's trip.

To give our four kids personal time with Dad and Mom we took one of them on a week end Pal Day every year so that they were the sole object of our attention.

Our children are now in their 50's and remember those week ends today. Our daughter also sings the Pal Day song and entertains us at family dinners where we also toast one of their siblings who died suddenly 10 years ago.

Family is my most important priority.

After that my health and extended family of close friends. Career and money are a distant fourth.

[les casinos]

Happiness can't be bought to any store. Proper guidance and bonding makes the child grow as a better person. Let them play, because you won't recognize that they are growing fast.