Hold Them a Little Closer

There was a time when almost without fail, I would slip into my children's rooms at night to tuck their covers up to their chins and softly kiss their cheeks long after they had fallen asleep. I remember when they were very small, I would often pick up whoever was the baby at the time (even though he/she was already sleeping) just to sit and rock in the darkness and feel their sweet little warmth in my arms.

Now they are getting bigger, and I don't always go back in for those late-night kisses after they've fallen asleep. More often than not, I just sigh in relief that they've fallen asleep at all! But stories like the one I mentioned in my previous post remind that I need to hold my children closer ... cherish every moment ... for each moment is truly a gift.