Fireflies and Bubbles



      Life is made up of fireflies and bubbles. Or more commonly known as memories and moments. It's upsetting to think time flies by, but it's also exciting to think of all the opportunities you're presented with in a lifetime. It all comes down to how much time you want to spend catching fireflies and chasing bubbles.
    Memories are like fireflies. They're hard to catch, but one you've got them, you'll never forget them. Just like a firefly unexpectedly lights up the dark, summer sky, a memory lights up a dark place in your life. The firefly might not stay, but the memory will.

     Moments are like bubbles. Beautiful and mysterious. You're never sure how long a bubble will last before it pops. You're constantly chasing the bubble, following its every move so you can save it before its short life ends. Just like a bubble, you never know when a moment will come to a stop. You spend all your time trying to save it from the unfortunate, but ultimate, truth that it will eventually end. The bubble may not survive the wrath of a young child's hand or the pointy top of a blade of grass, but neither will a moment survive the test of time. It was wonderful while you had it, though, wasn't it?
     I spent this glorious night chasing bubbles and catching fireflies with the two girls I love the most. Girls I could call my own daughters or my own sisters - Audrey and Mallory.
     Mallory graduated from preschool today, and although preschool graduation seems so inconsequential when compared to the big picture of life, this day will stand out as the day I realized how precious time truly is.
     I began babysitting the girls three and a half years ago. Mallory was just turning two and Audrey was just turning six. It is absolutely outrageous to think these wonderful girls have been in my life for so long.
     Tonight, I not only realized how much these girls mean to me and how much light they bring to my life, but I also realized time flies by and every moment should be treasured. So that's what I did with Audrey and Mallory. We chased fireflies, making memories that will always light up my life. And we chased bubbles, trying not to let the beautiful moment end, but knowing the memory would always be imprinted upon my heart.
     I won't forget this night. I won't forget these girls. I won't forget how short life is and how we easily get caught up in the hustle and bustle of life. It feels like it was just yesterday when I met Mallory and Audrey, nervous as ever that they wouldn't like me. Three and a half years later, I can confidently say they love me like a sister, and the feeling is mutual.
     Life is short. One moment, you're looking at a little girl who can barely put together a coherent sentence, and the next minute she is walking across the stage, graduating from preschool. Where did the time go? Let's try to slow down. Try catching some fireflies and chasing some bubbles. I promise, you won't be disappointed.