Thursday, June 25, 2009

This morning, as I held my precious new little boy (Sugar Roo), I realized that he is going to be six weeks old tomorrow. It doesn't seem like it has been that long already. I lamented and longed for the days that I was able to say, "Oh, he's 5 days old." Because babies grow and change so fast at this age, we watch them ever so closely. We know they won't stay this way for long. Every milestone is recorded and celebrated.

But as they get older, the milestones get farther and farther apart. We measure their age in ever increasing increments. From days to weeks to months and then to years. And we stop watching them. The passage of time tricks us into thinking about other things. Suddenly we find ourselves looking at a teenager and saying, "No. It was just yesterday that I was holding you like this. You can't be taller than me and have gigantic feet and like girls!" Yet, there they are changing before your eyes.

Friends and family love to tell us when they are little to enjoy them because they grow up so fast. I think we need to remind ourselves to keep doing that even as they get older. I'm finding that my 10 and 13 year olds are growing and changing just as much as my 4 year old and newborn. I just haven't been watching.

If there is a child in your life, whether they are 6 days or 60 years, take the time to look at them. Really look at them and marvel at who they are and what they have accomplished in their short time on this earth. Relish the joys, and the heartaches, they have brought to your life. Celebrate their milestones, not just on their birthdays, but every day. And if at all possible, pull them close and hold them in your arms as long as they will let you. Too soon, they may be out of your reach. You may then find you have a whole new perspective.