A Break from the Routine

Today was one of those days—the kind you wish you could bottle up and keep forever.

Dad was in his groove, singing his favorite Santana song—“Evil Ways”—with that familiar smirk like he knew he still had a little rhythm left in him. Of course, son-in-law couldn’t resist stirring the pot, egging him on:

“Sing it to your wife!”

Dad chuckled mid-verse: “Son-in-law, you’re gonna get me in trouble!”

We laughed until our sides hurt.

The clouds put on a show, and we played along—pointing out silly faces and shapes only we could see. Then came our masterpiece: mushroom rocks, painted with love and probably a little too much paint.

(Don’t sit too close—they’re still drying.)

Dad turned the patio into his personal stage, drumming away on the furniture like it owed him a solo.

Every tap was a heartbeat of freedom, every rhythm a reminder:

Today, we lived.

He ate ribs—his favorite.

No distractions. No routines.

Just 5 whole hours of joy, play, and presence.

Sometimes it’s not about doing something big.

It’s about remembering who someone is—who they still are—when you make room for them to be free.

Today, we did that.

And it was perfect.

Love you pops, thanks for spending time with me today 🥰