Do you remember those childhood moments that felt insignificant at the time but now hold a special place in your heart? For me, it was “tagging along” with my dad.

In Texas, we have a phrase: “fixin’ to.” It means you’re just about to do something. And every time my dad said he was “fixin’ to go to the shop” or “fixin’ to go here,” my response was always the same: “Can I go?”

It didn’t matter where we were going. The adventure was simply in the going. My dad’s car always had that specific, nostalgic smell, probably a mix of old upholstery and the stick of gum he’d inevitably offer me—Big Red or Wrigley’s, a treat I never seemed to have otherwise.

The real excitement, though, was the stops. We rarely ate out as a family, so tagging along with Dad meant getting to explore those little “podunk cafes” and hole-in-the-wall diners. My favorite memory is sharing a chorizo and egg breakfast taco, the spicy sausage and fluffy eggs wrapped in a warm tortilla. It was such a lovely treat, a secret shared between the two of us.

We wouldn’t necessarily do anything monumental. Sometimes we’d just sit and chat, or I’d we would just talk. I enjoyed just the simple joy of being present in his world.

Now, as an adult, I realize how valuable those seemingly insignificant moments were. They weren’t about grand gestures or expensive vacations; they were about connection, consistency, and the quiet reassurance of love.

So, if you get the chance to let a child “tag along,” embrace it. Whether it’s a trip to the grocery store, a walk in the park, or even just sitting quietly while you work, remember that these small adventures can build the biggest, most enduring memories.

After all, sometimes, the best adventures are the ones we take right alongside the people we love.