One Thing My Children Taught Me
A family story about a simple weekend in an old barn — no water, no comforts, just laughter, fire, and time together.
My children remind me again and again that sometimes we try too hard. We want to give them everything — the best toys, the nicest rooms, the perfect experiences. But what they really want, more than anything else, is our time. It sounds so simple. And yet, it is so easy to forget.
I remember one weekend when I took the girls on a little trip. Just us three. Their dad was working, so we went on our own. I found a place that fit our small budget. When we arrived, I had my doubts. Our room was in an old barn. Yes, a barn. Inside there was a bunk bed, a double bed, a big fireplace, a table and chairs. There was even a kettle for tea, which felt like a luxury.
At first it seemed fine, but then it got dark and cold. The doors were not sealed, and the wind came through. The toilet was outside. There was not any water, just a small tap outside where we could wash our hands and maybe fill the kettle for tea. It was late October or maybe November, and it was really cold. I was not sure how we would manage.
But we lit the fire, and that was when the magic began. The girls started to play. They danced, they sang, they put on little shows. And I watched them. My heart was smiling. Oh my, how little they need to be happy. No one complained about the cold. No one cared about the toilet outside or the missing comforts.
The next morning felt like a dream. There was dew on the grass and cold air you could see in little clouds. The girls pulled on their wellies and ran into the yard. Out of nowhere, even a horse appeared. Lily was in heaven. She loves horses. It was like a morning from her dreams.
We have visited many places and seen many beautiful things. But this place I remember most. The smell of the fire, the sound of the wind through the door, the laughter, and the dew in the morning.
Yes — sometimes we try too hard. Children remind us that we do not need much to create memories that last. Time together is enough. And time is what they will remember.
— Dorota 🌿