For my girls

To My Precious Children

Just for this morning I am going to smile when I see your beautiful faces and laugh throughout the day when I feel like crying.

Just for this morning I will let you get ready for the day without rushing you, and only smile when I see how late it is.

Just for this morning I am going to step over the mess of dirty laundry in your room, and pick you up early from school to take you to the park to play.

Just for this morning, I will leave the dishes in the sink, and let you drag me through the mall I hate so very much.

Just for this afternoon, I will unplug the telephone and keep the computer off, and sit with you doing things you want to do.

Just for this afternoon, I will not yell once, not even a tiny grumble when you have the television turned up full blast.

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 over the last 3 years.

Just for this afternoon, I will let you help me fix lunch, and I won't stand over you trying to make you do it my way.

Just for this evening, I will hold you both in my arms cuddled close to me and tell you a story about how you were both born and how very much I love you.

Just for this evening, I will let you splash in the tub and not get angry when it ends up with water all over the floor.

Just for this evening, I will let you stay up late while we sit outside and talk quietly as we count all the stars in heaven.

Just for this evening, I will snuggle beside you for hours, and put off all the things I should do to get ready for the next day.

Just for this evening when I run my finger through your hair as you drift off to sleep, and I will be grateful that God has given to me the greatest gift I have ever been given.

And then when I lean over to kiss you goodnight, I will hold you a just a little tighter, just a little longer. It is then, that I will thank God for giving me two such precious gifts in my life, and I will ask him for nothing, except one more day with you.

There are so many parents out there, that can relate to this. Some may have lost their child early and they went to heaven. Some may be missing and they are right now being searched for. Some may be watching their children suffer senselessly in the hospital. And some may have lost their child to this cruel, angry world we live in today. For whatever your reason, please think about this and take the time to spend with your children. They are truly a blessed gift given to us for such a short time. They should know they are loved and how much they mean to you.

Written 1 Oct 00