Rise. And Shine.

Morning routines often include the following: the snooze button, coffee, news, showering, the paper, breakfast, choosing an outfit, packing a bag, grabbing keys and leaving. Just getting yourself ready can be pretty easy. I’ve got my routine down to a science and I relish it.

That is until I had a taste of another morning routine.

Last month I spent a week with my grandfather and every morning I got up before him to set out his pills, his bowl of cereal, his insulin shot. I put his cane by the door and his reading glasses in my bag, before waking him with a gentle touch. Then it was getting him another pair of socks, a different jacket, and finding his wallet. Eventually we’d be ready to leave. It was, I felt, a small morsel of what life would be like having a child.

Today I got an even better taste.

While home on Cape Cod this past weekend, I stayed an extra day to help my sister with the kids this morning. As a nursing student she had to be at the hospital by six, my brother-in-law on the road by seven, and the kids ready for the bus by eight. I was already downstairs when the kids appeared, rested and more easily accepting of kisses from a loving aunt. As I toasted bagels and sliced bananas, I delighted in watching Paige, almost 10 and Andrew, almost 7, prepare their own lunches. Scouring t

Back in the car heading home to New York City and my easy, morning routines, it occurred to me it doesn’t matter if you’re 9 or 92, getting ready for school, a doctor’s visit or work, your morning routine sets you up for the day. Like a well-balanced breakfast, an organized start is the first step towards making it a great one.