My Annual Letter to My Son

I have a gift to finish up today; a gift I have been working on for 9 years. It will take another 9 years to finally complete the gift. The project-in-the-making are hand-written letters to my son to be presented to him when he graduates from high school. For 8 years now I have sat down and collected my thoughts about my son and captured memories, milestones, and memoirs from the year that has passed. I make sure I hand write the letter and I always seal it when I am finished, forcing me to never go back, always looking at his life in the present and divulging my hopes for his future. I can't believe I am working on my 9th letter. As the letters are extremely private I will not be sharing any words that I plan on gifting to my son but I did want to share with you a poem I was given a year ago by a very dear friend. Unfortunately, the poem's author is Anonymous so I regret not giving proper credit. I keep a copy of these words on the inside of a kitchen cabinet to always remind me the dishes can wait, the laundry can be folded later, the house dusted another day, because it's time to enjoy my son.

To My Grown-Up Son

My hands were busy through 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 lights,

Then tip-toe softly to the door -

I wish I'd stay a minute more.

For life is short, the years rush past.

A little boy grows up so fast.

No longer is he at your side,

His precious secrets to confide.

The picture book is 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 asked me to.

(Author Unknown)

A 9th letter will be added to this pile by end of day today.

What will you do today to spend some time with someone you love and make a memory?