"TO 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 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 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 favorite 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 every 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 any more.
And when I kiss you good night
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!
~ HELEN STEINER RICE ~
Angel w/Angel_Wings
