"I touch the future. I teach." — Christa McAuliffe
This quote resonated with me this past week as I spent several days with my granddaughter, Beckett.
While her parents enjoyed a concert at Red Rocks Amphitheatre and her brother attended a week-long Spurs basketball camp in San Antonio, Beckett and I had the opportunity to spend some one-on-one time together.
At almost 12 years old, she is already becoming an impressive young lady, disciplined, organized, responsible, and committed to her goals. Each day she faithfully walked, fed, and played with their white Lab, June Carter. Every morning she headed off to work out from 9:00–10:00, followed by volleyball camp until 1:00. I'd pick her up afterward, and we'd enjoy lunch and a little downtime together.
One evening, I took her to her favorite steakhouse. We shared a wonderful dinner, played several rounds of UNO, and split a chocolate brownie for dessert. But what I treasured most were the conversations. We talked about her dreams, her interests, and the many things that matter to a young girl standing on the edge of her teenage years.
As I reflected on the week, I realized this was a familiar chapter, one I've lived before with my two older granddaughters. Those years of car rides, shared meals, sleepovers, heart-to-heart talks, and everyday moments helped shape the close relationships we still enjoy today. They call, text, visit, and remain an important part of my life. The time invested when they were younger didn't end when they grew up, it became the foundation for the friendships we share now.
That realization made this week with Beckett even more meaningful. She is my youngest granddaughter, and these opportunities to listen, encourage, teach, and simply be present are precious. The lessons we share today may be remembered tomorrow, but the relationship we build can last a lifetime.
Christa McAuliffe's words remind us that teaching isn't confined to a classroom. Sometimes teaching happens around a dinner table, during a walk with the dog, over a game of UNO, or in quiet conversations between generations. Every moment spent investing in a child's life is a way of touching the future.
So, here's my reminder to myself, and perhaps to you:
Don't blink.
Don't rush through the ordinary moments.
Be fully present.
The years may pass quickly, but the love, memories, and connections you build today can last a lifetime.
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