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 in your flannel p.j.'s and hold you until you are ready to stir.

Just for this morning,

I will let you choose what you want to wear, and I will say how beautiful you are.

Just for this morning,

I am going to step over the laundry to 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 your puzzle together.

Just for this afternoon,

I will unplug the telephone and keep the computer off, and sit with you in the garden blowing 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, I will simply love you, for the joy you bring me.

Just for this afternoon,

I will let you help me make cookies, and I won't stand over you...trying to "fix" things.

Just for this afternoon,

I will take us 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 the story of how you were born, and how much we love you.

Just for this evening,

I will let you splash in the bathtub and I won't get angry when you pour water over your sister's head.

Just for this evening,

I will let you stay up late while we sit on the porch swing and count all the stars.

Just for this evening,

I will bring you glasses of water, and snuggle beside you for hours, and miss my favorite TV show.

And tonight when you are sleeping safe and warm in your bed I will think of the mothers and fathers who mourn the children they have lost.

I will remember the parents who sit by hospital beds, watching over the little ones they love.

I will weep for those parents whose children are cold, hungry and suffering,

and...this evening

when I kneel down to pray I will simply be grateful for all that I have and not ask for anything...

except just one more day.

© 1999 Sally Meyer for Dhylan