Our Precious Children

Dear friends of mine recently adopted a baby boy.  Hearing them express their feelings of joy and elation has made me so excited for them but also so appreciative that I am a mother of two wonderful children.

Parenting a child is unlike any experience I have ever encountered in my life.  I remember so vividly the day they were both born and the emotions and love that stirred in the delivery room.  I was so elated with the miracle of life that I could hardly contain myself.  I remember gazing at my son and daughter and couldn’t quite believe that they were actually right there in my arms, to hold, to love and to care for.  The love is truly indescribable.

As they grow and mature and go through challenges through different stages of their lives, sometimes we forget how precious they are.  As a society we tend to brush them aside rather than embrace their needs.  We sometimes forget to allow them to express themselves in their unique way.  They deserve respect and our time to allow them to blossom under our care, guidance and protection.  There have been times when I was running out the door in a hurry and one of my children wanted to show me something or explain something in detail and I didn’t give them the time they needed or acknowledge them the way they wanted…. I’m sure we’ve all had those moments but what a lovely reminder I’ve been given in the past few days from my friends to cherish every moment and not take for granted the gift we have been given – to nurture our children at all times.

I read this passage from time to time by George Townshend and it always moves me:

“While they are at your side, love these little ones to the uttermost.  Forget yourself.  Serve them; care for them; lavish all your tenderness on them.  Value your good fortune while it is with you, and let nothing of the sweetness of their babyhood go unprized.  Not for long will you keep the happiness that now lies within your reach.  You will not always walk in the sunshine with a little warm, soft hand nestling in each of yours, nor hear little feet pattering beside you, and eager baby voices questioning and prattling of a thousand things with ceaseless excitement.  Not always will you see that trusting face upturned to yours, feel those little arms about your neck, and those tender lips pressed upon your cheek, nor will you have that tiny form to kneel beside you, and murmur baby prayers into your ear.  Love them and win their love, and shower on them all the treasures of your heart.  Fill up their days with happiness, and share with them their mirth and innocent delights.  Childhood is but for a day.  Ere you are aware it will be gone with all its gifts forever.”

Here are some photos of our children and the family!