I have been working hard on a little photo project lately. As I was sorting through pictures the other day I came across this one and it stopped me in my tracks:

Even now as I look at it, I would give just about anything in the whole wide world to pick up that baby and snuggle her close. I can almost feel her on my hip. My heart has memorized how her little body would feel in my arms, the way that little pacifier chain would swing, the way her fingers would feel wrapped around my arm, the slow, twinkly smile.

Oh, and that little mischievous girl by her side! What I wouldn’t give to have her curl herself around my leg, eyes bright wanting to go to the park, or have me watch some newfound skill, or bust out her “funny face.” Oh how I miss who they were. The interruptions they caused, the tantrums, the crying, the teasing, yes, all of it intermixed with the golden. Because looking back it is all golden now.

I think of who they are now, that long-haired, Lego-loving thirteen-year-old, angular and perfectly postured (newly two inches taller from her scoliosis surgery), her smile can light up a whole room. And that tall blonde (turning brown) older girl who I now look evenly in the eye (we’re exactly the same height), who is old enough to be serious about grades and responsibilities but who can still let loose and bust out the craziest dance moves and slam a volleyball over a net.

I am so deeply in love with who they were and who they are. My other children, of course, as well. Motherhood gives you such precious jewels.

I don’t know that I have a specific point in this post, except maybe to say if you are a mother, and you have babies, go hug them a little extra for me today. Memorize how they feel in your arms, how their smiles and antics look. Because they are golden. And if you don’t have babies, go hug those big kids in their spaces. Because oh! They are just as incredibly golden.

We are so lucky to have each other in this human family. And when we cherish each other in our homes it helps ripple out to the rest of our “family,” the human family where every one of us needs so much unconditional love right now.

Sending out love today. That is all.

xoxo

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7 Comments

  1. You always give such beautiful words to my feelings. I don’t know you, but I’ve followed your blog for YEARS and you have influenced me in ways that matter for my family. Thanks for helping me be more intentional in my parenting. <3

  2. It’s crazy that Claire keeps growing… my girls are hoping they will keep creeping up but I’m not as tall as you!

  3. You are such an incredible human. Thank you for this post and so many others that inspire me so deeply!

  4. WOW! This is beautiful! Where did all that time go? How we adore that brave, true blue (and brown) girl. She is such a treasure!

  5. Ditto to all of this! With my oldest baby married, the next on a mission, the next busy working and going to college, and my youngest a senior in the fall I know just how fast it all goes. And just how golden all those past memories and present moments are now! Thank you for sharing:)

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