Seize the Day, Mom & Dad: Why You Should Eat More Ice Cream (Every Day!) by Michael Kennedy

Fatherhood
5 years ago

Seize the Day, Mom & Dad: Why You Should Eat More Ice Cream (Every Day!)

I was picking my kids up from school last week when my 7-year-old son asked if we could stop and get ice cream on the way home. First natural thoughts? 

  • It’s a Monday.
  • You’ve got homework.
  • What did you do to deserve it?
  • Your room is a mess.
  • I’ve got a ton stuff to do, emails to check, calls to make...

Then a wash came over me and I thought of an old song, Cats In the Cradle by Harry Chapin, that my mom used to play to me and in it, there was this verse:

I've long since retired, my son's moved away.
I called him up just the other day.
"I'd like to see you if you don't mind."
He said, "I'd love to, Dad, if I could find the time.
You see my new job's a hassle and the kids have the flu,
But it's sure nice talkin' to you, Dad.
It's been sure nice talkin' to you."
And as I hung up the phone it occurred to me,
He'd grown up just like me.
My boy was just like me

I took them for ice cream.

Don’t waste a moment. Don’t take anything for granted. We all know how fast time moves. Give even more hugs, share even more smiles, have more conversations, laugh more – and eat more ice cream.

Seize the day, each and every day.

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Donna John
Yes!! I think we all get in too big of a rush and categorize things (like eating ice cream!) to certain days. We should all learn to live more spontaneously. That's usually when the best memories are made. Michael Kennedy
Mike Prochaska
I love ice cream so any excuse for ice cream works for me. We even eat it for breakfast sometimes and yes Donna John that what I most excited about summer break for a chance to move more spontaneously
Mike Prochaska
I scream you scream we all scream for ice cream
Elisa Schmitz
I couldn't love this any more, Michael Kennedy . That song always gets to me. And it's so true - you have to enjoy every moment, because they slip away all too soon. I love that you took them for ice cream, on a Monday, just because!
Kandice Cole
Thank you for sharing this. So beautiful when we learn to slow down and really enjoy moments with my kiddos!
Michael Kennedy
Thank you Kandice, it's not always easy, but I try to stay in the present :)
Keith Sereduck
Love this! And, don't feel guilty about it! Eating ice cream every day is good for bone strengthening, lowering blood pressure, losing weight moderately, helping to reduce the risk of colon cancer, and it has been scienrifically proven to make you happy. Whar are you waiting for? Go get some ice cream!
Shannon Richardson
This song gets me every time too, Elisa. I will try to remember this the next time the kids ask for ice cream on a "non-designated ice cream day," lol :-)
Jessica Acree
I rarely say no to ice cream! But I know the feeling... what a great tip and a great reminder to seize the moment and our favorite people <3
Dieter Schmitz
Duh, of course we should eat more ice cream!!
Ann Marie Patitucci
I love this SO much, Michael Kennedy ! Well put!
Michael Kennedy
Thank you Ann Marie! Have a great day!

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