Enjoy Your Children While You Can!

I came across this poem I clipped out of the newspaper when my sons were babies.  I'd completely forgotten it, but I am thankful, and proud, to say I did not make this mistake, even though reading the poem still makes me cry!  My sons are now young men, and even though I love how they have matured and grown, I wouldn't mind a bit if I could go back in time to when they were just little.

This photo shows my fearless sons lighting *gasp* bottle rockets on the 4th of July, probably about 1994 or 1995.

To My Grown-Up Son
My hands were busy through the day,
I didn't have much time to play
The little games you asked me to.
I didn't have much time for you.
I'd wash your clothes, I'd sew and cook,
But when you'd bring your picture book
And ask me please to share your fun,
I'd say: "A little later, son."
I'd tuck you in all safe at night
And hear your prayers, turn out the light,
Then tiptoe softly to the door...
I wished I'd stayed a minute more.
For life is short, the years rush past...
A little boy grows up so fast.
No longer is he at your side,
His precious secrets to confide.
The picture books are put away,
There are no longer games to play,
No good-night kiss, no prayers to hear...
That all belongs to yesteryear.
My hands, once busy, now are still.
The days are long and hard to fill.
I wish I could go back and do
The little things you asked me to.
Author Unknown

I'm so glad I spent time with my children when they were little, but it never seems enough.  Cherish every moment you have!