A Lesson from Emily’s Field Trip

Life has a way of throwing curveballs, especially when you’re juggling busy schedules, work commitments, and family life. This past week was one of those times for our family. With the waterpark season kicking off and my focus on getting everyone in the system for their start dates, paired with my husband Travis managing his demanding job as a PM for Quality Electric, we found ourselves stretched thin. So, when Emily, our 5th grader, had her field trip to the Old Idaho Penitentiary on a Wednesday afternoon, we didn’t think twice before telling her we couldn’t make it.

At the time, it felt like the only option. But as Thursday rolled around, Travis and I were both hit with the same sinking feeling—regret. We’d missed an opportunity to share a special moment with Emily, and it didn’t sit right with either of us. It wasn’t just about the field trip; it was about showing up for her and being part of the experiences that mattered to her.

A Surprise to Make It Right

By Saturday, we knew we couldn’t change the past, but we could still create something meaningful. So, we decided to surprise Emily with an outing that would make up for missing her field trip. We started with a trip to Chick-fil-A—her favorite spot for a meal—and then gave her the reins to guide us on our own personal tour of the Old Idaho Penitentiary.

What could have been a simple outing turned into something truly special. Emily was so excited to show us everything she had learned on her class trip. As she walked us through the historic site, she shared the stories that had stuck with her the most, from tales of the inmates to the eerie cells that gave her goosebumps. Her enthusiasm was contagious, and it felt like a gift to see the experience through her eyes.

The Moments That Matter

One of my favorite parts of the day was hearing about the places she didn’t get to explore during her field trip but had been curious about. Together, we ventured into those areas, making new memories and filling in the gaps of her experience. It was a reminder that even when we miss out on a moment, there’s always a chance to create something just as meaningful.

What started as a regret turned into a memory we’ll cherish forever. Now, we have our own story to tell about the time Emily took us on a tour of the Old Idaho Penitentiary. It wasn’t the same as being there for her original field trip, but in many ways, it felt even more special because it was just the three of us, taking the time to connect and share an experience together.

A Lesson in Showing Up

This week taught me an important lesson about showing up—not just physically, but emotionally and intentionally. Life gets busy, and it’s easy to let those little moments slip by. But when we pause, reflect, and make the effort to turn things around, we can create something even more meaningful.

To other parents out there who’ve felt the sting of missing out, know that it’s okay. We’re all doing the best we can. What matters is how we choose to move forward and make the most of the time we have.

For us, this week was a reminder to slow down and prioritize what truly matters: family, connection, and the memories we build together. And thanks to Emily, we now have a story about a field trip we almost missed but ended up turning into an unforgettable adventure.