I got up before sunrise and hurried out the door. I could hear the birds; they sounded way chirpier than I felt. My mum is having surgery, so I am keeping dad company today.

I made us some morning porridge, a cup of chai for me and a cup of coffee for dad. We sat together enjoying our breakfast and chatting about Finnish literature as the first sunrays sneaked into the family room.

It felt like such an ordinary day, just stacking the dishwasher together with dad. Yet I know better. These are the moments to treasure, to store deep within my heart, because dad is old and there will soon be a time, I wish I could stack the dishwasher with him again.

I know his memory is failing and he doesn’t always remember what I told him a few minutes ago, but I have no trouble recalling a multitude of memories of the times dad has been there for me. He has been the constant in my life, the solid marker by which to judge things. So, it’s my turn to be there for him today.

All day long I have had a song in my heart. It’s called “We Have This Moment”. The words are written by the talented lyricist Gloria Gaither. They share the importance of being thankful for the blessings we have and not taking those closest to us, or time spent with them, for granted.

Let me share the words with you here. I am sure you will agree the lyrics are impacting:

WE HAVE THIS MOMENT, TODAY

Hold tight to the sounds of the music of living
Happy songs from the laughter of the children at play
Hold my hand as we run
Through the sweet fragrant meadows
Making memories of what was today

We have this moment to hold in our hands
And to touch as it slips
Through our fingers like sand
Yesterday’s gone
And tomorrow may never come
But we have this moment today

Tender words
Gentle touch and a good cup of coffee
And someone who loves me
And wants me to stay
Hold them near while they’re here, oh
And don’t wait for tomorrow
To look back and wish for this day

Take the blue of the sky
And the greens of the forest
The gold and the brown
Of the freshly mown hay.
Add the pale shades of spring
And the circus of autumn
And weave you a lovely today.

We have this moment to hold in our hands
And to touch as it slips
Through our fingers like sand
Yesterday’s gone
And tomorrow may never come
But we have this moment today