This past week, our youngest grandson, Asher, started preschool three half-days a week. It was an exciting time for him. He counted down the days until his dad took him to the store to pick out the shirt he would wear on his first day. Although he had a hand-me-down backpack from his older brother that was in perfect condition, he was allowed to choose a brand new one of his own. Life couldn’t be better.

Looking at Asher’s picture, I couldn’t help but think about his Dad (Brian) at his age, preparing to go to school. I had to dive into my photo albums to find a photo of his dad at the same age, on his first day of preschool.

But as I was looking for that photo, several things surprised me:

• I didn’t find a photo of Brian going to preschool because he didn’t attend preschool. It’s easy to forget these details over the years. His photo album shows him at this age attending birthday parties, picnics, playing in the front yard with friends, riding his plastic motorcycle down the street, and going on a helicopter ride with his dad, who was a police helicopter pilot. It reminded me of how important it is to tell our stories, no matter how big or small. One day, we’ll want to remember those little details. One day, like today.

• I was surprised by how few photos I had of Brian. There were some from daily events and significant occasions, but only a few from each. I had to remind myself that those were the days of film cameras, where film could be expensive. It was quite a process: buying film, loading it into the camera, taking it out, sending it in or taking it to a shop for development, and then picking up the photos unless you had them mailed. I didn’t get my first digital camera until 2002, and that’s when I noticed I had, well, you know the story… about 50 pictures of him doing one little thing. Back then, it wasn’t common to take numerous shots of the same event like we do today with digital cameras.

Today my intention was to compare Asher and Brian’s first-day-of-preschool photos and perhaps muse on how much they look alike, or how their personalities are similar. But instead, I was reminded how different their worlds are.

When Brian was growing up entertainment was limited to TV shows, physical toys, and outdoor play. Saturday morning cartoons were a big deal. Sesame Street was our favorite. I, personally, was very unhappy when he outgrew Big Bird.

Today, entertainment includes a wide range of digital content and social media.  Parenting often involves balancing screen time with physical activities. Structured play is common (play dates, sports camps, classes).

Google says, however, that the core aspects of childhood, such as learning, playing, and socializing, have remained the same, but the tools and environments have changed significantly. I would agree with that.

Asher has no idea what a film camera is; he has his own play computer; he uses a TV remote as a cell phone, and he knows that real cell phones can also take pictures. But he also knows his colors and can count to 20 on his own. He loves to play ball, build train tracks, and race his remote control car with his brother and sister. He is very social and gets along well with other kids. He is kind and loving, and yes, sometimes has strong opinions about things.

In a lot of ways, he’s just like his dad. But, honestly, I wouldn’t want him any other way.