Vox

Make Time to Smile

Tony nails it, that special something children bring - "why we do it" as one commenter said - and what we risk missing.

I have none of my own, one of the only things in my life that causes me regret. However, I see my brothers and sisters in that post. I have been fortunate to have amazing nephews and nieces. I am blessed, also, to have friends who share their little treasures, their offspring, with me.

Time flies so quickly - the first child born to one of my siblings (wasn't it just a couple of years ago?) has children of his own now.

I have memories of when my sister let me borrow her boys for a whole month one summer - when I lived out of state. They were 4 and 6 (?) at the time and we had such fun, and I wish I had taken more pictures. I remember being amazed she was able to part with them for that long a time, especially when it came time to send them home - I didn't think it was possible for a heart to shatter in that many pieces...even knowing I'd see them again soon, at Christmas, didn't ease the ache. (there was also a plan to borrow them the following year, but it is hard to deal with homesick boys when you're dealing with your cheating husband and the end of your marriage. I will always regret that missed opportunity with them and the way I handled it) Now they are grown, making us all proud with their smarts, making us all crazy with their fashion choices

I know that my brother's children will do well in the world because of the example he and his wife set. He is one of the greatest fathers I have ever had the pleasure to watch - where he found his example I don't know, perhaps seeing our mother be great in both parenting roles.

I often see people rushing to "get through" the weeks, or months, or years, with their kids - not realizing that time is rushing all on it's own.

The chance to just be with them is now. The time to make memories is today.

(Hat Tip to Brutally Honest, who says it much better than I - "The T-ball games, the Christmas mornings, the wagon rides, the times at the beach, the bed-time stories, the reading times and the family get togethers where our little guys were the center of attention.

Dear God how time does fly.")

UPDATE: I can't seem to get enough of Tony's blog. His writing is thoroughly enjoyable. He captures the tiny moments in life and touches your heart - I should be working, instead I am chuckling, tearing up, nodding in agreement, all of the above...

Posted by Vox at October 17, 2004 11:01 PM | family , general