Cherish Every Moment

by Supermom
(USA)

As the mom of 5 wonderful children ages 15, 8, 6,5 and 3 I have realized recently just how fast time goes by. Having a daughter who is about to be driving yet at the same time have one who has only been potty trained over a year has made me stop and think about where all those years go! Sure I can remember the oldest when she was a baby but those are years I will never have back. I want to enjoy and cherish every moment with all my kids instead of looking forward to the day they will be out of the house and on their own. It's hard to stop and cherish those moments when everyone is screaming and the house is a wreck, but one day they will all be gone, and it won't matter if I got the floors mopped or the dishes done. What will matter are the times we spent together and how much I was able to show them I love them.
So, don't wish away those sleepless nights when you have a newborn baby. Be amazed at the stages your baby goes through, enjoy them all. Sit in the floor and play with your toddler instead of just finding something for them to do to keep them busy. Read them a book at night, know that before long they will be able to read to you Listen to your child tell you about their first day in school. All too soon you will hear about their first day in high school and college. Enjoy sharing your childhood memories with your teenager as you try to let them know that you were once their age and understand the things they are facing.
I missed so many of these precious memories with my oldest daughter because I was young and did not realize how fast it would go by or how important every minute with her would be. I don't want to have those regrets with any of my other children, and I want to enjoy every minute we have together because it is a cruel reality that she may be out on her own in the real world within a few short years.
When they are grown you have no second chance to make their childhood a good memory for them as well as for you. Cherish and love every minute that you have with these little gifts from God.