We were at our friends’ house for a BBQ last night.  It was a fun family gathering with kids happily running wild and delicious food from the grill. Even though it was chilly and rainy, it felt like a classic summer evening in many ways.

Towards the end of the night, Chris rested Vivian in the corner of a sofa.  She was so content and sweet, and she was adorably determined to keep her dad’s gaze upon her even though he had set her down.  She radiated joy and beauty and warmth; it was so clear that she simply wanted to share her happiness with the most important man in her life.  At that precise moment, Cat Stevens’ “Wild World” came on the Pandora.  It was a most perfect soundtrack to what was happening. I felt like I was in my own home movie.

As the song played and I watched my little girl give her daddy a gummy grin, I was reminded of just how precious time is for a parent.  Every moment is fleeting…every second races…the years fly.  But, last night as tears welled in my eyes and a knot grew in my throat, I’m pretty sure time stopped for me. Just for a few seconds. I will forever remember her perfect tininess and his delight upon watching his little girl.

Perhaps many years from now – but much too soon nonetheless – Vivian and Chris will dance to this song at her wedding.  I’m pretty sure time will stop for me then, too.

Cat Stevens – Wild World

Now that I’ve lost everything to you,
you say you want to start something new,
and it’s breaking my heart you’re leaving,
baby I’m grieving.

But if you wanna leave take good care,
hope you have a lot of nice things to wear,
but then a lot of nice things turn bad out there.

Oh baby baby it’s a wild world,
it’s hard to get by just upon a smile.
Oh baby baby it’s a wild world.

I’ll always remember you like a child, girl.
You know I’ve seen a lot of what the world can do,
and it’s breaking my heart in two,
cause I never want to see you sad girl,
don’t be a bad girl,
but if you want to leave take good care,
hope you make a lot of nice friends out there,
but just remember there’s a lot of bad and beware, beware

Oh baby baby it’s a wild world,
it’s hard to get by just upon a smile
Oh baby baby it’s a wild world,
and I’ll always remember you like a child, girl.