Spring has always been a season for renewal, new growth and fresh optimism about everything from this year’s garden, home improvement projects and vacation plans as well as the Rockies new baseball season.

I have to admit that I’m more than ready for spring. Sparkling white snow can look so beautiful, especially atop the divide, but I’ll tell you – I’m just about done with scraping my windshield and shoveling the walk. I bet you might be feeling the same way! It’s been a cold Colorado winter and it’s a welcome relief to see some green grass growing and even some flowers blooming lately.
The cold and dark of winter can be tough on all but the hardiest among us, and sometimes it can just seem like Old Man Winter lasts forever. Warmer weather and longer days are re-energizing and remind us that nothing, even a long winter, lasts forever.

Spring is also a time for new beginnings. I’m currently reminded of that as my youngest and last single child, my “baby,” is getting married in May. Sarah, the youngest of four (two older boys and two younger girls) is marrying her high school sweetheart. I couldn’t be happier for her and her fiancé and wish this lovely couple all the best that life has to offer.

It’s amazing how fast time flies. It somehow seemed like Sarah would be young forever. And while I will always have memories of her to treasure, life keeps moving on, more quickly than we tend to realize sometimes as we go from one busy day to the next.

The calendar may say “spring” but it’s feeling a bit like autumn for me personally. My “Dad” days are clearly nearing the end and I’m “Pops” now to my kids and grandkids.

As I wax nostalgic, I’m going to encourage you to stop and smell those proverbial roses. Cherish your loved ones, start tackling that bucket list, and most of all, remember to savor every moment. Whatever season of life you’re in, there’s something to appreciate.