Before

The box is filled with packets of photographs fresh from storage. The first packet I opened Sunday night was from Labor Day 2000.

These photos.

Before they had children of their own, they were our two kids. Alex and Baylee. A boy and a girl. Just what we wanted.

I don't believe in coincidences. So on the eve of another holiday – another one without Dorinda – my hand randomly pulled Labor Day photos from among dozens of packets. Pictures I haven't seen in a decade, maybe two.

Just our two kids in the backyard, then 7 and 3, playing in the water on a hot holiday. There's that clown water sprinkler. The sunflower sprinkler. Our basset hound, Dodger, getting a drink. A day soaking up the sun.

Now, Alex and Baylee each have a boy and a girl, too. Just what they wanted.

I've seen this statement before and it fits today – grandchildren are so special because they let us see our children young again.

But this day – 26 years ago – was before.

Before 9/11.

Before I lost mom and dad.

Before graduations and weddings.

Before careers and grandbabies.

Before everything.

So, before anything else on this Labor Day, 2026, hug your kids, extra tight. Your spouse. Your mom. Your dad.

Then enjoy your day, splash in the water. Laugh. Eat too much. Have some ice cream.

And take pictures. Lots of them.

For after the holiday – maybe years later – they will make you smile.

Just like before.