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Poems
To My Child
Poem written by
Sally Meyer, copyright 1995
not to be used without permission of
author.
Just for this morning, I am going to smile
when I see your face and laugh when I feel like crying.
Just for this morning, I will let you choose
what you want to wear, and smile and say how perfect it is.
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 finger
through your hair as you pray, 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 one more day......
Celebrating Holland - I'm Home
I have been in Holland for a while now. It has become home. I have had time to catch my
breath, to settle in and adjust, and to accept this different trip than I'd planned.
I reflect back on those years when I first landed in Holland and remember clearly my
shock, my fear, my anger. In those first few years, I tried to get back to Italy as
planned, but Holland was where I was to stay. Today, I can say how far I have come on this
unexpected journey, how much I have learned about Holland. But it has been a journey of
time.
I worked hard. I bought new guidebooks. I learned a new language, and I slowly found my
way around in Holland. I met others whose plans had changed like mine and who could share
my experience. Some of these fellow travelers had been in Holland longer than I and were
seasoned guides, assisting me along the way. Many have encouraged me and have taught me to
open my eyes to the wonder and gifts to behold in this new land. We supported one another,
some have become very special friends, and I have discovered a community of caring.
Holland isn't so bad.
I think that Holland is used to wayward travelers like me and has become a land of
hospitality, reaching out to welcome, assist, and support newcomers. Over the years, I've
wondered what life would have been like if I'd landed in Italy as planned. Would life have
been easier? Would it have been as rewarding? Would I have learned the important lessons I
benefit from today?
Sure, this journey has been challenging and at times I would (and still do) stomp my feet
and cry out in frustration and protest. And, yes, Holland is slower paced and less flashy
that Italy, but this, too, has been an unexpected gift. I have learned to slow down and
look closer at things, with a new appreciation for the remarkable beauty of Holland. I
have discovered that it doesn't matter where you land. What's more important is what you
make of your journey and how you see and enjoy the very special things that Holland has to
offer. I have come to love Holland and call it home.
Yes, I landed in a place I hadn't planned. Yet I am thankful, for this destination has
been richer than I could have imagined!
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