To my Children...
Just for this morning, I will let you wake up softly, all rumpled in your
sheets and I will hold you until you are ready for the day.
Just for this morning, I will let you choose what you want to wear, and
smile and say how perfect it is.
Just for this morning, I am going to step over the laundry, and pick you up
and take you to the park to play.
Just for this morning, I will leave the dishes in the sink, and let you
teach me how to put that puzzle of yours together.
Just for this afternoon, I will unplug the telephone and keep the computer
off, and sit with you in the back yard and blow bubbles.
Just for this afternoon, I will not yell once, not even a tiny grumble when
you scream and whine for the ice cream truck, and I will buy you one if he
comes by.
Just for this afternoon, I won't worry about what you are going to be when
you grow up, or second guess every decision I have made where you are
concerned.
Just for this afternoon, I will let you help me bake cookies, and I won't
stand over you trying to fix them.
Just for this afternoon, I will take you to McDonald's and buy us both a
Happy Meal so you can have both toys.
Just for this evening, I will hold you in my arms and tell you a story
about how you were born, and how much I love you.
Just for this evening, I will let you splash in the tub and not get angry.
Just for this evening, I will let you stay up late while we sit on the
porch and count all the stars.
Just for this evening, I will snuggle beside you for hours, and miss my
favorite TV show.
Just for this evening, when I run my fingers through your hair as you pray,
I will simply be grateful that God has given me the greatest gift ever
given. I will think about the mothers who are searching for their missing
children, the mothers who are visiting their children's graves instead of
their bedrooms, and mothers who are in hospital rooms watching their
children suffer senselessly, and screaming inside that they can't handle it
anymore, and when I kiss you goodnight I will hold you a little tighter, a
little longer. It is then that I will thank God for you, and ask him for
nothing, except one more day.
"
Reflections Of A Mother "
I gave you life,
but cannot live it for you.
I can give you directions,
but I cannot be there to lead you.
I can take you to church,
but I cannot make you believe.
I can teach you right from wrong,
but I cannot always decide for you.
I can buy you beautiful clothes,
but I cannot make you beautiful inside.
I can offer you advice,
but I cannot accept it for you.
I can give you love,
but I cannot force it upon you.
I can teach you to share,
but I cannot make you unselfish.
I can teach you respect,
but I cannot force you to show honor.
I can advise you about friends,
but cannot choose them for you.
I can advise you about sex,
but I cannot keep you pure.
I can tell you about alcohol & drugs,
but I can't say "No" for you.
I can tell you about lofty goals,
but I can't achieve them for you.
I can teach you about kindness,
but I can't force you to be gracious
I can pray for you,
but I cannot make you walk with God.
I can tell you how to live,
but I cannot give you eternal life.
I can love you with unconditional love all of
my life... and I will.