From the second you were born – I was your first friend.
I held your hand as you learned to walk.
When you were sick, your hand was in mine.
I held it when you went to play dates.
When you attended your first day of school.
In the midst – your siblings were born – and I am holding (and will hold) their hands through it all, too.
Middle school – high school – college – dating – marriage – when you become mothers and fathers if that’s what you choose.
I was your first friend and will be for as long as I live.
But I cannot live forever.
While I hold one hand, your siblings are there holding the other.
My prayers for you all is that you are always there, holding each others hands through life.
Be each other’s rocks.
Cheerleaders.
Confidants.
Because as much as I want to be here forever, we all I know that I won’t be.
This past Spring Break we tried something we hadn’t before, and that was having my eldest share a room and a bed. One is 3.5 and the other is 2. Our vacation situation didn’t leave us much room for options, so we dove in headfirst and I am so glad that we did. My mama heart grew 1000x in size.
The way I was able to watch them giggle, play, wrestle, communicate before falling asleep was enough to leave a smile on my face for the rest of time. It gave me and husband that opportunity to see a different side. Yes, you play together. Yes, we’ve seen you look out and care for each other before, but not like this.
The late night tuck-ins, check-ins and snuggles were everything I pray for as a mother. That you all get along, love and protect each other. My mom, even now, would say the same thing, but now I understand.
Growing up I share a room with my sister, and I remember playing games and giggling before we slipped off to sleep. My kids were getting to experience that and I love it.
Granted, we were nervous that they would goof off and it wouldn’t work. But I am so happy we didn’t let our reservations keep us from attempting.
I was your first friend – but you each have two more forever friends to lean on, for what I hope is for the rest of your lives.
