I’ve recently started thinking about things that I did last time—but not intentionally. I’m not talking about my last cigarette before quitting or the last man I had sex with before my husband. I’m thinking primarily of the things I did as a child, things that at the time, didn’t have significance. It’s only in retrospect that I miss them.
The last time I climbed a tree. I used to climb trees often as a kid. I wish I could remember the last time I did it, but I don’t. How old was I? Which tree was it? The last time I did it, I’m certain I didn’t have the conscious thought, “Well, this is the last tree for me.”
The last time I visited and actually hung out in the “clubhouse” in my parents’ garage. The clubhouse was a space in the garage that my dad created for my brother by laying down some old doors (as a floor) in the rafters. I’ve been thinking about it a lot lately, as my brother (who now owns the property) recently tore the garage down. I inherited the clubhouse from my brother when I was fifth grade. It was a place where my friends and I would listen to records, tell our secrets, play games, and later, sneak cigarettes and beers. The last time I went up there was probably some time in middle school but again, I didn’t know at the moment I’d never go back.
More last times . . . the last time I kissed my mom and dad good night before running upstairs for bed. And the last time I played with Barbie’s (or any other “make believe” activity) passionately as a child. The last time I rode my bike to actually get somewhere (not just “going for a bike ride”) before I got my drivers license.
And then I started thinking about last times I’ve forgotten with my son (who is now four). The last diaper I changed? Nope, don’t remember (though in potty training, I swore I would!). The last bottle I fed him before moving to the sippy cup. The last time he wore a bib to eat. Fortunately, some of the “big” finales have not yet taken place (like the last time I rocked him before bed? Two nights ago!). Start thinking of some of your own last times, past and upcoming. It may be somewhat sappy, but it gives you an appreciation for the importance of the ordinary, day-to-day routines in your life.
