This morning was Matt’s last rec basketball game, and my last time coaching my kids. It’s a bittersweet feeling but I am grateful to be present for it.

I remember when Matt was four, and I had cancer the song Last time for Everything by Brad Paisley was new. At the time when I would hear the song I would get emotional because I didn’t know the outcome.

Now when I hear it, I give thanks.

This song gave me wisdom to be present enough in life to recognize our lasts and firsts, and more.

I share this with you today as writing is a means of therapy for myself and also to invite you to join me to…

pause. breathe. pray.

May we ask God to help us be present in our lives to notice the little things, like the firsts, the lasts, and the moments we may otherwise rush past. Being present in this way will be a gift to ourselves, and those we love, like it was to witness Matt play in his last game in rec this morning.

With love and hope,
Shawn