For One More Day

I came across this poem on the Internet recently and it affected me deeply. It's one that all mothers need to read often, regardless of the ages of their children. You may have already seen it, but even if you have, it's worth reading again. Perhaps you know a busy young mother you can share it with whose heart it will touch and make a difference in her -- and her child's -- day.

I wish I knew who wrote these beautiful words of wisdom so I could acknowledge them, but the source indicated that the author is unknown.

For One More Day 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 say your prayers, 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, and mothers and fathers who are in hospital rooms watching their children suffer senselessly ... and screaming inside that they can't handle it anymore. And when I kiss you good night ... 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 maybe ... for one more day.