Remember those days when you ‘usta’ do all the cool stuff? Now, it’s a front-row seat to the next generation’s adventures! We’re trading mountain trails for tennis courts, cheering on our grandsons as they ace their way through high school sports. Is embracing the role of a proud spectator truly a new kind of adventure?

As the golden hues of summer recede, ushering in the crisp air of autumn, family calendars invariably begin to fill with a new rhythm of activities. This seasonal shift often signals a subtle but profound change in our roles, transforming us from active participants into enthusiastic observers of life’s unfolding events.

For many, this transition is personified through the vibrant world of high school sports, where a new generation takes center stage. This fall, the focus sharpens on the tennis courts, where grandsons Nate, at sixteen, commands a varsity position, and Elliot, fourteen, demonstrates promising skill on the junior varsity team, bringing a fresh wave of excitement to family gatherings.

The intensity and early starts of competitive play were recently underscored during a four-way tournament attended by Elliot’s junior varsity team. Held at a high school in a neighboring district, the morning commenced at 8:30 AM, initially speculated to conclude by mid-morning, immersing spectators in the youthful energy of nascent athletic careers.

This current chapter of enthusiastic spectating draws a poignant contrast with earlier life phases, evoking memories of what are fondly termed the ‘usta days.’ This evocative phrase encapsulates a period defined by personal adventures, such as extensive backpacking expeditions through the majestic Sierra Nevada mountains, a testament to a life vigorously lived.

During those ‘usta days,’ a recurring sentiment was the perpetual quest for time to pursue diverse interests and activities. There was always an aspiration for ‘this or that,’ a testament to a bustling life overflowing with commitments and ambitious undertakings, making every free moment a precious commodity.

Paradoxically, the present offers an abundance of time, fulfilling the earlier longing for leisure. However, this newfound availability often comes with a reflective understanding that the nature of engagement has evolved, shifting from hands-on participation to contemplative observation, a significant aspect of the lifestyle changes.

This evolution in daily routines has led to a profound re-evaluation of what constitutes a high-quality life. Where once fulfillment was intrinsically linked to relentless ‘going and doing,’ a deeper wisdom now suggests that true richness lies in the profound simplicity of ‘being,’ fostering deeper connections and appreciation.

Embracing these changing dynamics, whether cheering from the sidelines at a high school tennis match or reflecting on past adventures, illuminates a continuous journey of growth and adaptation. The ‘usta days’ remain a cherished memory, yet the present offers its own unique rewards, particularly in the realm of family and education.