This morning, as I drove my son to soccer practice, I was struck by a wave of gratitude and reflection. The sun was just rising, painting the Arizona sky in hues of gold and pink—one of the things I know I’ll miss most about this state. Arizona’s sunrises and sunsets are unparalleled, and this morning, they felt especially meaningful.
We were driving down Fain Road, a stretch of open land with breathtaking views of the landscape—cows grazing, antelopes roaming, and hawks soaring in the sky. It’s a road I’ve driven countless times, yet today, it felt different. Knowing that my family is relocating soon, I realized how much I’ll miss this drive. It’s not just the beauty of the land; it’s the memories tied to it.
Twice a week, I make this trip with my son. We spend hours on the road, talking, laughing, or simply sitting in comfortable silence. These drives have become a cornerstone of our relationship. They’re a mix of everything—quiet reflection, deep conversations about life, and silly moments that make us both laugh.
I look over at him, now 13 years old, and I’m amazed by how much he’s grown. He’s not just growing taller—he’s growing emotionally, mentally, and as a leader. He’s developing his mental fitness, emotional intelligence, and his skills as a soccer player. Recently, he set a goal for himself: to earn the position of striker on his team. It wasn’t handed to him; he worked hard for it. And not only did he achieve that goal, but he also earned the role of team captain. Watching him step into this leadership role fills me with pride.
The reason we’ll be relocating soon is because of how much he’s thriving. He’s been invited to join a soccer academy, and as a result, we’ll be moving closer to his training facilities. While I’m thrilled for this next step in his journey, it will mean fewer long drives like this one. The drives will be shorter, and the routines will change, but I know the connection we’ve built on these trips will remain.
As I reflect on this, I think about how often we take the everyday moments for granted until we realize they’re about to change. Sometimes, it’s only when we’re on the brink of losing something that we truly see its value. These drives, this time with my son, are priceless.
On these drives, we’ve talked about relationships, how to navigate challenges, and how to troubleshoot life together. We’ve listened to podcasts, like Ed Mylett, that spark incredible conversations. On the way down, there’s no technology—just us, talking or reflecting quietly. And on the way back, when we’re tired, we watch silly shows like Brooklyn Nine-Nine or catch up on soccer matches. These are the moments I’ll cherish forever.
This morning reminded me of the importance of perspective. It’s easy to rush through life, focusing on getting from point A to point B. But when we slow down, we can appreciate the beauty and meaning in the journey itself. For me, these drives have been a gift—a reminder to be present, to cherish the small moments, and to connect deeply with the people I love.
To everyone reading this, I encourage you to take a moment this weekend to reflect on your own journey. What are the “drives” in your life—the routines or moments that might seem ordinary but are actually extraordinary? What are you grateful for today?
Let’s not wait until something is gone to appreciate it. Let’s embrace the beauty of the present moment and celebrate the connections and memories we’re building every day.
I’m so grateful to be part of this community and to share these reflections with you. If you have a story or a moment like this to share, I’d love to hear it. We’re all on this journey together, learning, growing, and cherishing the moments that make life so meaningful.
Much Love,
Rey