It's a quiet Sunday afternoon. Neil's enjoying a Father's day nap, My favorite Mormon Tabernacle Choir CD is playing softly, I'm working on pictures from my Utah trip last May, and the kids are doing art projects at the table. When "Love is Spoken Here" played a few minutes ago, Chloe sang along, remarking afterwards how much she loooved that song. All the while, Ryan was kneeling on a chair across the table, painting his right hand (since he's left-handed) with green and blue paint, then placing his palm down on a piece of paper. He had a smudge of blue paint on his chin and just looked absolutely darling. Not a minute later I heard the slicing of scissors and not a minute after that, footsteps headed my way. Then, there stood my sweet boy, proudly presenting me with a remnant of the hand print masterpiece, which was still wet with paint. "Here, Mom! It's a ticket to go on a train!"
Melt.....
Simple moments like these are frequent in this house, but sometimes, for a variety of reasons, not relished to the degree they ought to be. Distractions occur and frustrations arise. And as a result, patience levels decrease and those sweet and joyful moments are fogged, and sometimes overlooked all together. Today, I am setting the stresses of life behind and relishing. So grateful I am not only to be a mother, but to have been blessed with the two amazing kids who call me mother. It truly is the simple things in life like a singing six-year-old, blue paint smudges and tickets to go on a train that hold the greatest value.
May I never forget to relish.
4 comments:
Oh how very beautiful. Two sweet children enveloped in the love of two dear parents - what could be more comforting? Neil asleep in his Father's Day dreams; you organizing photos that included them; the gentle little voice singing along; the train ticket, the paint, the exuberance... The calm, the peace, the joy. A slice of heaven on earth. I felt I could reach out and touch - could feel it almost tangibly.
How grateful I am for your beautiful words and the time you take to write them. What a gift you have given us today, this Father's Day. Thank you.....
Love love love you all sooo much....
Gpa Roy and Gma Jill
P.S. Loooove the poem you posted. I just have to add this one in juxtaposition:
To My Grown-Up Son
Author Unknown
My hands were busy through the day;
I didn't have much timei 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 tip-toe softly to the door...
I wish 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.
Love,
Gma Jill
i love this! i agree...i pray and pray i can always relish these perfect little moments that are so fleeting! how blessed we truly are!
Valeri, thank you for sharing. You have such a great way of saying things....you should write a book!
Gma Susie
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