SUBJECT: Children

You are coming into a world already established. It awaits you, but will not wait for you as it continues to expand and change.

Your beautiful face. The innocence I see when I look upon you fills my heart with wonder. How could I be so blessed to know you, to be your parent. The best of everything is reflected in your perfect purity. You take my finger in your tiny hand. You wrinkle beautiful toes that have not yet touched the Earth.

​Merry chuckles fill the air while legs carry a pudgy frame, You stumble and I don’t reach out to catch you.
Although you whimper for a moment, soon you are back to your merrymaking again. Life moves quickly for you now that you can carry yourself into the world.

Curious eyes stare out from a curtain. What do you see that you are hiding just there? What worlds do you imagine that my adult eyes have forgotten to remember? You squeal with delight as the cat finds you out, scampering to another fantasy place of your own making. How do I find you there?

Your toys lay scattered about and I ask how you feel. The blankets are burning. A raspy cough escapes you. Oh my beautiful child, how hard it is to see you hurting. I’m here for you and I will never leave your side. I dab a cool cloth across your face to soothe you. You are so loved.

As you continue to grow, I watch more and do less. I have to step back and let you blossom into your own perfect self. My guidance will carry you through your interests, and each of your failures will shape the person you will become. Peers may pressure you, life will test you and you will continue to grow.

I have to stand aside as you decide to come into your own. All of our time together has prepared me for this moment. Though I cry at our departure, you will stay with me forever. My heart is always big enough to carry us both, no matter how far you venture out into the world that needs you. It is your turn now, to be exactly what the world needs.

You have done well my child! Look at your family now. They are a mirror of your strength and the trials that have taught you how to love. The path you take with them will continue to shape you as well as the new life you have brought into this world. I am so grateful that I have been a part of this blessing that is your life and mine. Our family grows through you and I get to know the joy of seeing your eyes shining in the life of your own children.

My hands are shaking but little fingers still help me hold the crayon. We draw together. It lifts my spirits to share a moment with the grand babies. Your daughter brushes my silvery hair. She is taller than me now. And your son, who is engaged to a beautiful young lady makes us dinner in the kitchen. I may not know all their names anymore, but I am still with them, and you. Life is moving slower now. I need more help and you are there for me. You are all there for me now. Our family has grown so much. You have defined reality in such a complete way.

To be your parent has been a privilege and no matter how many times I have cried, or hurt, or fought on your behalf, I wouldn’t change a thing. I have lived well because of my love for you. You have grown well because of that love and the world is better with you in it.
Thank you, my beautiful child.