My daughter will be all grown up before I know it.

Last night, I scrolled through some old photos of Maggie on my computer. She evolved from a pudgy, drooling baby into a capable three-year-old right before my eyes. It amazes me how much she’s changed and grown since she was born. It happened so fast.

Right now, I’m Maggie’s “buddy.” She loves hanging out with me, playing games, riding along on errands, watching me make dinner, and helping out with everyday chores. Lately, I’ve been savouring these moments with her because like everything else in life, I know that’s going to change.

Change does that. It reminds you of how precious every moment can be because in an instant, the moment is gone. Just when you get used to something, it changes. Just when everything seems to make sense, something shifts. And just when you think your daughter is going to stay young and innocent forever, she grows up.

When I was younger, I told my father that I didn’t like change. He smiled at me and replied, “Change is the only constant in life. The only choice you have is to accept it.”

In a couple of years, maybe less, Maggie won’t want to help me fold the laundry anymore, or sit on the kitchen counter while I throw together my latest casserole concoction. She won’t be interested in playing “kid and mommy” (a game she invented, where I’m the kid and she’s the mommy), either. She won’t crave my attention the same way. But I have the distinct sense that I’ll be craving hers.

So, change—work your magic if you must. Keep things moving and shifting. Keep reminding me that these everyday moments with my daughter are special and ones that I will never get back. Keep forcing me out of my comfort zone and lessening my stubbornness.

But more importantly, keep giving me a reason to stop for a moment, take a deep breath and watch my daughter whenever she plays, laughs, smiles, cries, thinks, and sleeps.

In the end, change is inevitable. But regret? That’s optional.