Some weeks remind you just how much the little things matter. This was one of those weeks.
Monday and Tuesday started out like most weeks in our house. Jasper headed to school, Mom and Dad headed to work, and everything followed its usual routine. But Tuesday evening was a little different.
On the way home, Jasper started getting emotional when he realized Dad was heading out on a short work trip to Minneapolis. It was only going to be a brief trip, but explaining that to a little boy doesn’t necessarily make saying goodbye any easier. The emotions carried right through bedtime as we said goodnight and goodbye.
It’s one thing to know you’ll only be away for a short time. It’s another thing entirely when your little one is upset because you’re leaving. Those moments certainly make you stop and think about how much you mean to each other.
Wednesday started early, with Dad on a plane to Minnesota while Jasper headed off to school and Mom went to work. The trip was for a one-day work summit, and it was genuinely nice to catch up with coworkers, spend time together, and step away from the usual remote-work routine for a bit.
But even with good conversations and a productive day, there was one person I kept thinking about back home.
Jasper.
There is something about traveling for work that makes you appreciate your normal routine a little more. I was already looking forward to getting home and couldn’t wait to wake my little guy up Friday morning. Sometimes the best part of a trip is simply coming home.
Friday brought us right back into the usual routine. Work didn’t stop, and neither did school, but the evening was a chance to bring everyone together. We had Jasper’s great-aunt and Grandpa from Dad’s side over for pizza. With Mom, Dad, Jasper, Nani, and Nanu all together, it was a lovely evening of family time and catching up.
Saturday gave us a chance to slow down a little in the morning before the weekend took a very different turn. It was the first of three trips to the Gurudwara as we helped prepare food for Sunday’s services and Diwali celebrations.
And if there is one thing you learn quickly about preparing for a big celebration at the Gurudwara, it’s that there is always something to do!
Sunday was the big day. The first service kept us there until around 1 p.m., followed by a much-needed nap before heading back for the Diwali service and dinner.
It was a full day, but a special one. Between the community, the food, the celebrations, and the time spent together, it was a wonderful way to celebrate Diwali. After a busy week, it also gave us something even more meaningful: time together as a family.
Looking back, this week had a little bit of everything. A work trip, an emotional goodbye, a happy return, pizza with family, hours of preparation, and a big celebration at the Gurudwara.
But the part I’ll remember most is making up for that time away with Jasper.
One day away might not seem like much, but when you’re a dad, even a short trip can feel like a long time. And when you finally get back home, those morning hugs, bedtime routines, and ordinary moments feel just a little more special.
Happy Diwali! Here’s to family, togetherness, new beginnings, and making the most of every moment we get together.