~ My Blog ~

I was sitting on a bench. When I noticed a young mother with two children who were small. The youngest one was whining, “Pick me up,” I heard him beg, but the mother’s face grew angry as the child clung to her leg. ”Don’t hang on to me,” she shouted, as she pushed his hands away.

I wish I’d had the courage to go up to her and say: The time will come too quickly when those little arms that tug, Won’t ask for you to hold them or won’t freely give a hug.

The day will sneak up subtly just as it did with me, When you can’t recall the last time that your child sat on your knee.

Like those sacred, pre-dawn feedings when we cherished time alone. Our babies grow and leave behind those special times we’ve known.

So when your child comes to you with a book that you can share, Or asks that you would tuck him in and help him say his prayer…

When he comes to sit and chat or would like to take a walk, Before you answer that you can’t because there’s no time to talk…

Remember what all parents learn so many times too late, That years go by too quickly and that childhood doesn’t wait.

Take every opportunity if one should slip away Reach hard to get it back again, don’t wait another day.

I watched that mother walk away, her children followed near, I hope she’ll pick them up before her chances disappear !

To my dear child:

 On the day when you see me old, weak and weary, have patience and try to understand me.
If I get dirty when eating, If I can not dress on my own, please bear with me and remember the times I spent feeding you and dressing you up.
If, when I speak to you, I repeat the same things over and over again, do not interrupt me. Listen to me. When you were small, I had to read to you the same story A thousand and one times until you went to sleep.
When I do not want to have a shower, neither shame nor scold me.
Remember when I had to chase you with your thousand excuses to get you to the shower?

When you see my ignorance of new technologies, help me navigate my way through those world wide webs. I taught you how to do so many things, to eat the right foods, to dress appropriately, to fight for your rights.
When at some moment I lose the memory or the thread of our conversation, let me have the necessary time to remember. And if I can not, do not become nervous, as the most important thing is not our conversation, but surely to be with you and to have you listening to me.

If ever I do not feel like eating, do not force me. I know well when I need to and when not to eat.
When my tired legs give way and do not allow me to walk without a cane, lend me your hand. The same way I did when you tried your first faltering steps.
And when someday I say to you, that I do not want to live any more, that I want to die, do not get angry. Some day you will understand. Try to understand that my age is not just lived but survived.

Some day you will realize that, despite my mistakes, I always wanted the best for you and I tried to prepare the way for you. You must not feel sad, angry nor ashamed for having me near you.
Instead, try to understand me and help me like I did when you were young.
Help me to walk. Help me to live the rest of my life with love and dignity. I will pay you with a smile and by the immense love I have always had for you in my heart.
I love you child.

How Long Will I Love You

As long as stars are above you,         

And longer if I can

 How long will I need you?

 As long as the seasons need to

 Follow their plan

How long will I be with you?

 As long as the sea is bound to

 Wash upon the sand

 How long will I want you?

 As long as you want me too,

 And longer by far

 How long will I hold you?

 As long as your father told you,

 As long as you can

How long will I give to you?

As long as I live through you,

However long you say

 How long will I love you?

 As long as stars are above you,

And longer if I may

 We're all traveling through time together

 Every day of our lives All we can do is do our best

 To relish this remarkable ride