The Innocence of Froggy Shoes

I was reminded yesterday that my oldest son's kindergarten year is only two short months away from completion. I was, honestly, in awe of the speed at which time has slipped past me. I have become so engrossed in the mundane tasks of day to day existence, that I have forgotten to take stock of and celebrate the truly blissful gifts I have in my life. One gift so far surpasses everything else I hold dear, that it would render my life pointless if it ceased to be. It is the gift of being a mother.
In a few short years I will become an embarrassing hindrance to them both, I am sure. So I must revel in every moment I get to be a flawless, unconditionally loved being. Try not to loose my temper when my oldest begs for "just five more minutes" of video games before bed. I should, rather, be overjoyed that it is ME that he still wants to play those games with. Try not to become agitated at my exhaustion over picking up the toy my youngest wants desperately but has thrown down on the floor over a thousand times. Instead, fill with pride, knowing that I have instilled in him the confidence that I will be there to help him.
So many times, as happened in our family 6 years ago, you won't get a second chance to hold your child. Never again will you be able to let them "sneak" into bed with you in the middle of the night, just because they wanted to be close to you. You will forever long for their smile, squeals of laughter, messy hands and sweet kisses. You will even miss the living room floor being strewn with their toys.
All of this came flooding into me as I watched my boys playing in the puddles after a long night of rain. No cares, not one worry entered their minds. They had everything they could possibly want at that moment. They had boundless glee for a simple pair of rain boots and a few puddles in which to stomp. There was no time for them, everything began and ended in that moment.
It was then I vowed to try and recapture some of that youthful innocence. To try focusing on what brilliant adventures are at hand, instead of worrying about all that I need to do five minutes from now. I am going to try my best to see things through the innocence of their eyes. Peel back the layers of doubt, hurry, cynicism and worry. To just be able to be happy for my frog boots and a puddle to stomp in.

until next time....
be kind,
me