“Tell Me Another Story, Daddy?”

“Tell me another story, Daddy?”

I had heard these words since we had finished supper. My 5-year-old son loves hearing stories. He loves to put himself in these stories. He doesn’t just watch Paw Patrol, he’s in Paw Patrol. He is a Kratt brother. And he loves hearing stories about his favorite adventurers with him saving the day alongside his animated heroes.

While I absolutely love telling stories to my son, there are many days when I don’t feel like it. When I want to say, “No, Daddy is tired. Why don’t you go play with your toys while daddy rests?”

Let’s be honest, some days, I have said that. And every time I see the disappointment in his bright blue eyes and see his shoulders slump a little, I wish I would have said yes. In pursuit of comfort and rest, I sometimes find myself wishing away the precious time I have with my kids while they’re so little.

I’ve heard the stories of parents who never realized their last time was their last time with their children. I know I should cherish every second with my son, especially when at his age, I’m who he wants to be when he grows up. The model of what a dad and husband look like. I know the time is precious, but sometimes, I’m just tired.

Tired from a short night with a baby crying (not as short as my wife’s, but still shorter than I’d like). Tired from a long day of work. Tired from working overtime at work to provide for my family and save up for a house as big as our family. Tired of telling yet another story when I come home already so tired.

But in those moments, I remember this. I don’t want to be that dad who regrets not telling one last story because I never know which story will be my last. I don’t want to be the dad who was too busy, old, tired, or lame to run and play with my son, trying to match his boundless energy, at least in bursts.

I don’t want to be the dad who was always correcting, always scolding, always grumpy or impatient. I don’t want to look back at my time as a dad with these three precious kiddos at home and remember nothing but sitting on the sideline . . . watching because I was either too busy or tired.

Remember, Dad, as tired as you feel now, you’ll never regret pushing through and playing one more game, telling one more story, having one more special moment together. Because before you know it, your son won’t want to hear your stories, he’ll want to watch TV, play with his friends, and listen to different voices. You’ll long for your son to want your stories and advice then, but if you don’t show him you care by telling one more story now, why should he care by listening to one more story then?

One more story. One more cuddle. One more hug. One more belly laugh. One more precious memory you’ll cherish forever even if your son doesn’t remember it.

Don’t live out your children’s lives on the sidelines, Dad. Be a willing, active part of it. Don’t run their life, Dad. Be their biggest cheerleader and support. Don’t look for opportunities to get your kids out of the house. Build memories while they’re still here. Because before you know it, they will be out of the house. And all you’ll be left with are your memories. Live today so you’ll have precious memories to cling to forever, rather than regrets. Tell one more story, Daddy.