To my children...

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 it comes buy.

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 and try 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 the 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, so we can sit on the porch and count the stars.

Just for this evening, I will snuggle beside you for hours and miss my favorite TV shows so you can tell me stories.

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.

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.  I will think about the Mothers and Fathers who are in hospital rooms watching their children suffer senselessly. 

and when I kiss you goodnight, I will hold you a little tighter, and little longer, it is then that I will thank God for you, and ask him for nothing except one more day.  Sometimes Mothers and Fathers get so involved in daily routines that we tend to forget what great gifts our children really are.  We never know if God is going to give us one more day...