aack! Where are the kleenex!

That's what my friend Ann-Marie said after I emailed this to her this morning.

I've decided to post it here as well so that I know where it is whenever I need a reminder to slow down and enjoy my children more. I received this poem this morning and it just about tore my heart out with the conviction that my children will not always be little and time is running out to enjoy them as they are right now.

For My Child

Just for this morning, I am going to smile when I see your face
and laugh when I feel like crying.

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 backyard 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 us 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 favourite TV shows.


Just for this evening when I run my finger 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 and fathers who are searching for
their missing children, the mothers and fathers who are visiting
their children's graves instead of their bedrooms, and mothers and
fathers 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...