I took this picture while we were at Spearfish Canyon a few weeks ago. Patie and I were walking together and Jim and Grace had gone ahead of us. Patie decided to run to catch up to them. "I do det Daddeeeeeeeeeeeeee!" she shrieked in joy as she bounced down the trail on a perfect autumn day.
As she bounded away from me, I quickly snapped a picture. And then it happened. Those moments that only a parent knows. One where time stands still long enough for an explosion of love in your heart. And in the bittersweet aftermath, you are overwhelmed with the love you have for your precious child. You remember anew that they don't belong to you, and the time you have with them is so very short. You remember that from the very moment they were conceived, God has been preparing them to leave you. You know yesterday they were a small, small newborn, warmly nestled in your arms asleep and tomorrow you will watch their Daddy give them away to another man. You know your time is short and a part of you wants to do all you can to keep them here in this moment forever, but you know God has created them to grow and grow and grow. You know you can't have yesterday back, and moving on to tomorrow and all God has prepared for the future is inevitable. But right now, in this moment, your heart explodes and you know for certain you have today and a sweet memory you never want to forget.
As Patie bounded away from me I knew I would hide that precious moment in my heart, savoring the time that she was just that size, and her small, chubby hands were there for me to hold while we explored on a perfect autumn day.
11 comments:
That picture is so awesome! I have a similar one of my nephew Jordan where he's looking up at me with just the sweetest smile. I think I took it when he was 3 and even though he's almost 12, I swear that's what I think of when I look at him. And trust me - he just looooovvvvees that. :)
I adore that picture, it is perfect. And you captured the feeling so well in your words too . . . I totally understand what you mean!!
It's too early for tears, Megan!! That was beautiful, just beautiful. And true... What a precious memory.
-Andrea
of friend - pass the kleenex!!
such a sweet post and a truly special picture. capturing such a beautiful moment :)
I think its my favorite pic in the whole house.
Gorgeous photo. And Jim--you're too sweet!
Lovin' you both from afar.
tearing up here as well.
Oh if they would just stay little enough to hold.......
Alas it is not meant to be. Isn't being a mother the most special job ever??
Thanks for sharing a beautiful picture and a touching moment!
Count me in on the four that originally read that post b/c I remember it. Very cute.
What a beautiful picture and touching post. I could not keep back the tears...so sweet
My heart is tender today because it is my oldest daughter's birthday. I was walking down memory lane when I wrote my today's post about her in the wee hours of this morning. How quickly she and my other children grew up and left our home. Last night as I sat here composing my post, I could almost see her running through the house in her youthful, joyous way. Now she is a mother to five children of her own and lives 3 states away from me.
I'm glad that you have that sweet picture and the memory of that day tucked away snuggly in your heart.
Beautiful mama sap Megan.
Beautiful picture too!
You went and made me teary just before bed! I try to have one of those 'moments' everyday. Seems today I prayed for bedtime to hurry up and get here so I'd have time to sit down and now all I want to do is wake them both up for just one more hug.
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