To My Children

It seems like only yesterday
When you both were just a dream
And soon became a reality.
He's got red hair, oh my!!
A girl, thank God!

The hours spent growing up.
You and I, together.
The tears, the smiles...
The lessons, meetings and games.
The long, lonely nights.
Hours filled with laughter
And love.

Birthday dinners,
Report card celebrations,
Dozens of homemade chocolate chip cookies.
Beloved pets and friends.
A seemingly endless string of houses
That we always made into our home
Filling each with our boxes full of memories
And our hearts full of love.

The trials, failures and triumphs
That made up your high school years
Each ended on a day in May with just a few shed tears.

And then the stark realization
As you each have gone your own way.
To make your fortunes and mistakes
And find your own meaning to life...
You're not my babies any more.
My days of being the center of your world are numbered.

I can only hope that the precious moments we have shared
Will be seared into your hearts
And minds forever,
Tucked away in the special place
That you hold dear...
Where you can draw upon the unconditional love
Whenever you need reassurance,
Or to get through a character building experience,
Or the presence of a friend.

The three of us have a very special bond.
That only grows stronger with time.
As the continuing drama of our lives
Unfolds.
Who knows what tomorrow holds?
I do...
My love for the two of you.

It's been my ongoing joy, source of pride and sense of worth.
It is a constant.  A given.
And infinite.
For all eternity, I will say...
It seems like only yesterday.