By Shellie Miller-Farrugia
Everything seems to be in motion. A baby who never makes a sound, the one everyone calls “perfect,” doesn’t stay that way forever. The same easygoing child can suddenly become full of energy and opinions, leaving parents wondering how their quiet angel turned into a small lawyer who argues bedtime like it’s a Supreme Court case. Change always shows up, even when nobody’s ready for it.
It happens in towns, too. When we first moved here, there wasn’t a single stoplight to be found. Driving across Coral Springs felt effortless, like being handed your own personal racetrack. Now, traffic backs up at nearly every corner, and there are many stoplights just to remind you that you’re not going anywhere fast. The sleepy city people once knew has grown into something busier, louder, and a lot more “please merge politely.”
Family life shifts just as quickly. Not too long ago, going out to dinner once or twice a month felt like a treat, something worth putting on real pants for. Most nights were spent around the dining table, where the food wasn’t fancy but at least you didn’t have to tip anyone. Today, families eat out so often that some dining room tables double as storage space. (“Yes, that’s where we keep the unopened mail, and no, don’t look under the placemats.”)
Even the way we spend time with our pets has changed. A generation ago, a dog got a leash, a walk around the block, and maybe a pat on the head. Now, there are dog parks everywhere, complete with separate areas for big and small breeds. Somewhere along the way, our pets became socialites with busier calendars than their owners.
Technology tells the same story. Once upon a time, the screech and hiss of dial-up internet was the soundtrack of patience, as everyone waited for a page to load. Today, a five-second delay in Wi-Fi feels like a personal insult. What was once a marvel is now taken for granted, another reminder of how quickly expectations change.
These changes aren’t only about losing something. The quiet baby who grows into a strong-willed child may become someone determined and brave. The town that adds stoplights also adds opportunities, new coffee shops, and places to gather that didn’t exist before. The shift from dining rooms to restaurants reflects how busy and full our lives have become, with schedules packed so tight that sitting down at home feels like a vacation.
What never changes is the speed of it all. One moment feels ordinary, and the next, everything is different. Babies grow, towns expand, families create new rhythms. And even though it can be dizzying, it’s a reminder to pay attention to every beautiful moment; because nothing lasts forever, no matter how many leftovers you box up.