Cherish the Moments

A few years ago, I received my daily "check-in" call from Staci while she was picking up Payton and Alexia from school. In the background, I heard Alexia say, "Payton, that's my side!" Payton responded, "It's my turn to sit on that side!" Then Alexia, "Mommy, Payton pushed me!" Then Payton, "She pushed me first!" Before Staci broke up this normal display of sibling confrontation, it was as though she read my mind, and said, "Mom - Are you hearing this? And, do you love this?" With a smile on my face, in my own quiet space of peace and serenity, I knew my darling daughter experienced "recall" of her and her brother, and their sparring many years ago, and she knew what I was thinking. "Ah... music to my ears -- sweet retribution!" And, ah...how spectacular to be "Nana"!

Actually, it seems like just a short while ago, that I was the referee with Staci and Ryan (pictured here on their first day of school). And, I wondered if they would make it through those times alive. It was all a part of the journey! In the words of a very wise and not-so-young grandmother (me)..."Oh, such sweet and precious memories...and oh, how quickly the time flew by." If I had words of wisdom to offer to young moms today, I'd say "Cherish the moments...every one of them!" I read this not too long ago, and I pass it along to encourage each and everyone to "take a deep breath, and enjoy the ride. It comes to an end way too soon!"

"If I Had My Child To Raise Over Again" by Diane Loomans (adapted)
If I had my child to raise over again,
I'd finger-paint more, and point my finger less.
I'd take my eyes off my watch, (my add, "I'd take my eyes off my phone")
and watch with my eyes.
I'd take more hikes and fly more kites.
I'd stop playing serious, and seriously play.
I'd do more hugging, and less tugging.
I'd be firm less often, and affirm much more...
If I had my child to raise over again,
I'd teach less about the love of power, and more about the power of love!