To My Child

Chestene's photo courtesy of Smart Parenting Magazine

I got this a long time ago from a friend through forwarded email. This poem was written by Sally Meyer for her son Dhylan, who was diagnosed with autism in 1995. I’ve been keeping this in my computer and whenever I get so busy, I read this over and over again to remind me of the most important person in my life – my child.

It is so easy to get lost in doing things that we deem important in day-to-day living. Work most especially, consumes majority of our time and it is really sad to miss out on seemingly negligible things that concern our children, because we are so busy working – beaming smiles, hug attacks, silly games, listening to endless whys, watching cartoons, eating candies and ice cream, playing pretend, reading stories, blowing bubbles… and every single thing that matters to them.

We neglect to share with them the things that make us a part of their world, while we are busy preparing a great future ahead of them.

I believe it is never too early or too late for anything. Please read on and pass this to other parents as well, if you wish. This is something really worth reflecting upon.

Did it bring tears to your eyes? Do share your thoughts.

TO MY CHILD

by Sally Meyer

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
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 backyard 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 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 a story about how 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 shows.
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 and fathers
who are searching for their missing children,
the mothers and fathers who are visiting their children's
graves instead of their bedrooms.
The mothers and fathers who are in hospital rooms
watching their children suffer senselessly and screaming
inside that little body.

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…