A Parent's Hello

Anyone with kids knows that every day brings something different; a lot of joy and sometimes, yes sometimes a “what was I thinking!?!”  Parenting, with all its many challenges is a call to persist.  When the day is almost done and we feel there is nothing else to give, daybreak comes and we gather the strength to do it all again.   Sometimes the day is mere joy; at other times chaotic.  Regardless of its triumphs and challenges the sunny smiles and cheesy grins of our children is an invitation to the unknown.  What are the thoughts behind their little faces?  What will their eyes see today?  How will we respond to the mystery of the many gifts a day brings?

Beautiful and unique, each one has a special way of touching our heart.  My oldest daughter is becoming a social butterfly.  Everyday the saga continues at school.  Her creativity makes me smile and her concern for others is delightful.  Our oldest son has a watchman’s eye.  He says the morning prayer over our family before school.  He continually reminds his oldest sister to put on her seatbelt.   He is diligent and chivalrous.  Lately he’s been a bit temperamental.  Our youngest son seems to have developed a complex.  He thinks he is too short.  Little does he know that when he does a cartwheel it takes my breath away because it is graceful and perfect.   The way he cares for his youngest sister is so delicate.  His laugh epitomizes glee.   Next, our second to the youngest daughter has middle child syndrome.  She wants to be the youngest.   Her eye for detail is amazing.  She has a unique ability to find anything that is lost in our house.  Her big brown eyes emerge and express her discovery before her mouth has said a word.  Finally our youngest, she is very aware of her position.  She is the last of the chubby cheeked munchkins we will experience.  If I could just get that girl to go to the potty without assistance it would be a miracle!  She knows how to go potty all by herself.  She just wants to take me with her when she goes.  It’s like a meeting in the Water Closet.  Turns out she just wants some company.  No one can say hello better than a child.