I read another great book recently- in it was written a sweet poem from a Mother to her son about to marry. I'm not going to lie- I shed a tear. It got me thinking- as any great book should- and I think I'm going to steal it and pass it on to my sons one day.
Until then I thought I'd share it with you- my friends and mom pals who- like me- will be left with a beautiful reflection of "Lasts" ....
"Long ago you came to me, a miracle of firsts
First smiles and teeth and baby steps, a sunbeam on the burst.
But one day you will move away and leave to me your past,
And I will be left thinking of a lifetime of your lasts.
The last time that I held a bottle to your baby lips
Last time that I lifted you and held you on my hip
Last time when you had a binky stuck inside your mouth
The last time that you crawled across the floor of this old house.
Last time when you ran to me, still small enough to hold,
Last time when you said you'd marry me when you grew old.
Precious simple moments and bright flashes from the past,
Would I have held you longer if I'd known they were the last?
Your last few hours of Kindergarten, last days of first grade
Last at bat in Little League, last colored paper made.
Last time that I tucked you on for one last midday nap
Last time when you word your beat up Packers (insert Vikinkgs:) cap.
Last time that you caught a frog in that old backyard pond
Last time when you ran barefoot across our fresh-cut lawn.
Silly scattered images to represent your past.
Would I have taken pictures...if I'd known they were your last
Last dark night you slipped in bed and slept between us two
When last I read to you of God or Horton Hears a Who!
Last time that I smelled your hair and prayed after your shower
Last time that we held devotions in the evening hours.
The last time you were M.J. in our games of give-and-go
Last time that you made an angel in the melting snow.
I never even said goodbye to yesterdays long passed
Would I have marked the moments...if I'd known they were the last?
Last piano lesson and last soccer goal you kicked
The last few weeks of middle school, last flowers that you picked.
Last time that you needed me for rides from here to there
The last time that you spent the night with that old tattered bear.
Last time that I helped you with a math or spelling test
Last time that I shouted that your room was still a mess.
Time and life moved quicker, taking pieces of your past.
Would I have stretched the moments...if I'd known they were the last?
The last time that you needed help with details of a dance
Last time that you asked me for advice about romance.
Last time that you talked to me about your hopes and dreams.
Last time that you wore a jersey for your highschool team.
I watched you grow and never noticed seasons as they passed.
I wish I could've frozen time, to hold on to your lasts.
For come tomorrow morning life will never be the same.
You'll pledge forever to your girl, and she will take your name.
And I will watch you, knowing God has blessed you with this day.
I never would have wanted, to somehow make you stay
They say a sons a son until he takes for him a wife.
You're grown-up now; it's time to go and start your brand new life.
One last hug, one last goodbye one quick and hurried kiss
One last time to understand just how much you'll be missed.
I'll watch you leave and think how quickly childhood sped past.
Would I have held on longer...if I'd known it was your last?"
-"Rejoice" by Karen Kingsbury
