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The wheels in my head started turning as I was reading The Bee's Parenting Tips column.

The author made mention of the melancholy ballad, “Cat’s in the Cradle” that Cat Stevens made famous. The song tells the story of a dad who never quite makes good on his best intentions. 

“When you coming home, dad?"

"I don't know when, but we'll get together then. You know we'll have a good time then."

As of late, my intentions have been great but my actions are less than. In recent weeks, I’ve missed bedtime several times, missed out on pumpkin carving and put my daughters off on a trip to the park.

Obviously my intention is to be around for all the fun stuff but life gets in the way. There is work to do, bills to pay, and a house to clean.

"When you coming home, dad?"

"I don't know when, but we'll get together then. You know we'll have a good time then."

I need to act on my intentions more often than less often. Work can wait. A clean house can wait. There are memories to make. 

Does intention always lead to action? No, but I’m going to be better.

I want my headstone to say I was a great mom.  Nothing more, nothing less.

Take a few minutes and listen to the song.  It serves as a wonderful reminder of what is important in life.