Kids growing up

[Wes]

My son is 13 and I often find myself remembering the years gone by. It seems like it was only yesterday that I was changing his diaper and tucking him in at night. I ran across a poem in a very old e-mail that I had tucked away somewhere. It still kind of brings a tear to my eye in a way that only a parent could ever understand.

TO MY SON
by Bubba Pratt
My hands were busy thru the day, I didn’t have much time to play.
The little games you asked me to, I didn’t have much time for you.

I’d wash your clothes, I’d sew and cook,
But when you’d bring your picture book and ask me please to share your fun, I’d say, “A little later, son.”

I’d tuck you in all safe at night, And hear your prayers, turn out the light
Then tip toe softly to the door I wish I’d stayed a minute more.

For life is short, the years rush past. The little boy grows up so fast.
No longer is he at your side. His precious secrets to confide.

The picture books are put away, There are no longer games to play.
No good night kiss, no prayers to hear, That all belongs to yesteryear.

My hands once busy, now are still, The days are long and hard to fill.
I wish I could go back and do The little things you’d asked me to.


Hug your kid(s) and tell you that you love them while you can. You won't always be able to.

[3n-Out]

Ihear that... I have 17 & 18 year old daughters. I was luckey we had a loving relationship while they grew up. even though I was divorced. They came to live with me 5 years ago and now I'm Dad. I can't do nothing right. LOL - They know everything so why do they actually need me? Ohhh. wait a minute, they still need me when they need money. LOL..

The poem is so true though time flies, better enjoy while you can because it doesn't last forever.

[Tim T]

I can't agree more Wes, great poem. My daughter turns 21 this weekend. Luckily we still have a great relationship. I can remember her being born like it was yesterday. The birthing room photo's do help though.

[HotHolly]

You're gonna make me cry! When my youngest was 2, I used to say, 'promise me you'll stay little forever.' He used to tell me the same thing every time - 'I wanna be big.' Then one day he broke from is normal line and said, 'i'll stay medium, for you, mom.'

I hate growing up. It's as hard to watch, as it was to do.

[idnurse41]

This poem reminds me of "Cats in the Craddle".
It's a great one:)

[dbphotos]

THanks for sharing. Even though some nights its a pain I love the fact that both my 14 year old and 12 year old still want dad or mom to "put them to bed" which consists of prayers and a song and a quiet time to talk about the day's events.

It's amazing what you learn about your kid's lives during these quiet times.

Hard to believe that my oldest is going into high school this year and we are already loosely talking about colleges. Just visited Stanford and was trying to sell him on the idea of a large college in a good location with a great Alumni group.