A Good Reminder

I ran across this today as I, ironically, was checking Facebook. It was a great reminder for me especially at this time of year when my 'to do list' is a mile long. I hope it reminds everyone else how quickly time goes and that every moment counts. I am posting this and headed into snuggle with my girl while my boys sleep. Thanks Hands Free Mama for this today. I really needed it.

"The lesson of the little pink dog …

There will come a day when she no longer wants to hold my hand. So I will hold it while I still can.

There will come a day when she no longer tells me what’s on her mind. So I will listen while she still wants to confide in me.

There will come a day when she no longer says, “Watch me, Mom!” So I will observe and encourage while I still can.

There will come a day when she no longer invites me to eat school lunch with her. So I will join her while I still can.

There will come a day when she no longer needs my help to bake cookies or hit the tennis ball in the sweet spot. So I will stand beside her gently guiding while I still can.

There will come a day when she no longer wants my opinion about clothes, friendship, death, and heaven. So I will share my views while she still wants to hear them.

There will come a day when she no longer sleeps with her beloved stuffed animal. And that day may come sooner than I think. Because sometimes unexpected events happen, causing the days to rush by, the years to tumble ahead.
And perhaps what I thought I would have time to do
Like listen to her laugh,
Wipe her tears,
Breathe her scent,
And hold her close,
Will no longer be available to me.

The little pink dog that my child must now learn to sleep without after eight precious years reminds me that tomorrow may not allow for all the things I planned to do.
So instead of being too busy, too tired, or too distracted when she seeks my love and attention, I will be ready and waiting ...
To make her a well-loved child
While I still can.

-Rachel Macy Stafford©"