The Cats in the Cradle

I heard this song for the first time in years yesterday. It was a little sobering to reflect on the lives of my children since I now have some hindsite. Now I have one in college, and the other two are in high school.

This song served as warning to parents that the time we have with our children is limited, and we should take the time when we have it.

My father died in 1997. I never thought that day would come, but it did. Now I wish that I had spent more time with him when I could. Its amazing how powerless we are over some respects of our lives.

My child arrived just the other day He came to the world in the usual way But there were planes to catch and bills to pay He learned to walk while I was away And he was talkin' 'fore I knew it, and as he grew He'd say "I'm gonna be like you dad You know I'm gonna be like you"

And the cat's in the cradle and the silver spoon Little boy blue and the man on the moon When you comin' home dad? I don't know when, but we'll get together then son You know we'll have a good time then

My son turned ten just the other day He said, "Thanks for the ball, Dad, come on let's play Can you teach me to throw", I said "Not today I got a lot to do", he said, "That's ok"And he walked away but his smile never dimmed And said, "I'm gonna be like him, yeah You know I'm gonna be like him"

And the cat's in the cradle and the silver spoon Little boy blue and the man on the moon When you comin' home son? I don't know when, but we'll get together then son You know we'll have a good time then

Well, he came home from college just the other day So much like a man I just had to say "Son, I'm proud of you, can you sit for a while?"He shook his head and said with a smile "What I'd really like, Dad, is to borrow the car keys See you later, can I have them please?"

And the cat's in the cradle and the silver spoon Little boy blue and the man on the moon When you comin' home son? I don't know when, but we'll get together then son You know we'll have a good time then

I've long since retired, my son's moved away I called him up just the other day I said, "I'd like to see you if you don't mind" He said, "I'd love to, Dad, if I can find the time You see my new job's a hassle and kids have the flu But it's sure nice talking to you, Dad It's been sure nice talking to you"

And as I hung up the phone it occurred to me He'd grown up just like me My boy was just like me

And the cat's in the cradle and the silver spoon Little boy blue and the man on the moon When you comin' home son? I don't know when, but we'll get together then son You know we'll have a good time then


When it was over... there were tears. I love my kids a lot more than they probably know. I cherish every moment I have with them.

The day my dad died he called me. He asked if I could come by and see him sometime during the coming week. No reason in particular; he just wanted to shoot the breeze. I told him that I was really busy with work, and we would see how the week went. I told him I loved him, and I would talk to him later. He said, I love you too, Rick.

Those were our last words