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 wake up softly,
all rumpled in your sheets
and I will hold you until
you are ready for the day.

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 back yard
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 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 let you help me bake cookies,
and I won't stand over you
trying to fix them.

Just for this afternoon,
I will take you 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 when 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 show.

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 given.

I will think about the mothers who are
searching for their missing children,

the mothers who are visiting
their children's graves
instead of their bedrooms,

and mothers who are in hospital rooms
watching their children suffer senselessly,
and screaming inside
that they can't handle it anymore,

and when I kiss you goodnight
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.