“Go ahead, sweetheart. You read to Mommy,” I encouraged my 3-year-old daughter, as we settled onto the porch swing, taking advantage of a rare quiet moment while the older children were at school and the baby was napping.
As I sighed deeply, I realized this was the first time I had truly sat down in hours. My phone rested on my lap, and as my daughter began weaving her own version of the story from the pictures, I was tempted to check emails and scroll through my social media. Yet, as she turned the page, the tiny dimples in her hands drew my attention. Her little fingers, still small enough for me to hold in my palm, filled my heart with warmth and a bittersweet ache.
How many more times will we share this swing, just the two of us, free from the distractions of siblings and our busy lives? How many more moments will I have to admire her tousled hair glistening in the sunlight, becoming ever more blonde? How many more opportunities will I get to feel those adorable arms, still holding onto that perfect baby chub, slightly sun-kissed from our days spent outdoors as she learned to ride her bike without training wheels?
How many more times will she snuggle into my side, finding comfort in the nook we’ve created together? How many more times will I chuckle at her painted nails, the result of her insistence that she can do it herself because she is a big girl now? How many more times will I hear her sweet, innocent voice, mispronouncing words yet effectively making her point? How many more moments will we share in silence, listening to nature, only for her to turn and flash that radiant smile, declaring, “You’re my best friend, Mommy!”?
I almost missed these precious moments, and I can’t help but wonder about all the “how many more” experiences that have slipped by unnoticed. In our fast-paced lives, there are instances when we need to unplug—to completely disconnect and immerse ourselves in the here and now. It’s true that some of our most significant accomplishments arise from moments of stillness.
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In summary, the fleeting moments we share with our children are precious and irreplaceable. It’s vital to cherish each interaction, as they shape our memories and our lives.