My favorite memories from our years of living on Kauai are not the sunshine, beaches, snorkeling or even the luaus, as wonderful as they were. 

My best memories are of me and my wife sitting on the front porch at the home of our friends, Bill and Judith, having dinner and drinks just a stone’s throw from the ocean, and sharing laughs. Their joy was a gift.

It’s much the same when I reflect on our visits to see relatives in Belt, Mont. While the beauty of the area is stunning and the sunrises mesmerizing, what sticks close to my heart are the evenings we spent sitting in the kitchen at the home in the Highwood Mountains of my Uncle Frank and Aunt Vivian, who always welcomed us with smiles and hugs. I can still hear their voices as we talked into the night.

A trip Sunday to Silverwood reminded me what a fun place it is, but it was made an unforgettable day because my wife and I were joined by two grandsons, Harrison and Beau. The smiles and laughter seemed nonstop as they spent hours going from ride to ride. Such a blessing, hanging out with those two. They are amazing kids, full of wonder and delight.

I enjoyed my trip to Milwaukee earlier this year, not because I ran a marathon or visited the mind-blowing House on the Rock, but because I finally spent time with my oldest sister, Mary Louise, and her husband, Dan, in their home. Such gracious hosts.

And of all the miles I have run and walked at the majestic Glacier National Park, those I treasure the most were not when I was alone, but those I shared with sons and daughters and my wife. What we experienced together, the stories retold later, made it special. It creates a connection, a bond that really can't be broken.

I tell you this because sometimes I get so caught up in work, running, cleaning and the hundred other things that come up every day, I forget about people. It’s the people that make life better. It’s not the place. It’s not the boats or cars. I know it's cliche, but it's not money. 

Funny how many good memories I have are just sitting in the homes with others and playing cards or some crazy game. The other night, we had an end-of-summer barbecue and many of us ended up in the backyard, around the campfire, telling stories. It was good. 

I must remind myself to check in with family and friends because it’s so easy to let the days slip away without making a phone call or sending a letter. When you are young, days are unlimited, so you’ve got all the time in the world to do whatever you want. But it’s true, what they say. The older you get, the faster time flies. You realize your time is limited. And it is.

Use it well.

Spend it with people.

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Bill Buley is the managing editor of The Press. He can be reached at [email protected].