How many times in a day do we stop and think,
I am so lucky.
Sometimes in our busy lives,
we fail to see all that we have.
We become blinded by everyday trials.
Our children crying or waking up early,
having tantrums and trying our patience.
Our partners just not getting us.
As we hurry through our day,
following deadlines for work,
or rushing to collect and deliver children,
we get lost in the everyday manic.
Lost in the moments of frustration.
The child who took too long eating,
or finding his shoes.
The tantrum in the shopping centre,
or the ticking of the clock as we sit in traffic.
During these times it is easy to forget.
Forget to take a breath and see what we have,
and just how lucky we are.
This week I have had cause to really think about this.
As I did I pondered.
What would I feel,
if I would never again hear my childs voice?
What if that moment had passed?
If I knew that I would never again hear,
“Mom I love you”.
And never again hold my child close,
and whisper softly, “Sweetheart I love you too”.
I have had reason to imagine this possibility this week.
It has been sobering and heartbreaking.
Each night as I have said “goodnight” to my children,
I have thought about it.
As I hugged them close and they replied,
“Night mom, Love you”.
I have thought about it.
Each time I texted my children who are far away,
I appreciated the fact they could reply.
Happily for now at least, there is a break.
I can now imagine what it would be like,
to be able to once again say to my young child,
“I love you”, and my words to be heard.
I can imagine what it would be like to hear,
the most precious of sounds, my childs voice,
as they say “I love you too Mum”.
There is the possibility once more,
of enjoying the simplest of pleasures,
a hug from a child.
What would that hug feel like?
To hold a child once more in your arms,
and feel that hug all the way to your heart.
A part of you reunited.
As I think about all this I am reminded,
how busy and complicated our lives are.
But when it comes to it,
life is so very simple.
To be able to hold your child or loved one close,
and whisper “I love you.I really really love you”.
In any day, that is all that really matters.
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photo credit: IronRodArt – Royce Bair (“Star Shooter”) via photopin cc
My thoughts on a page. 
True. We get caught up in the silly things and tend to forgot the most important things. Every now and again it’s like there is an inbuilt reminder in the world to make us stop and think.
Actually I think you’re right. A bit like when the whole country lost the run of itself with the property boom/celtic tiger. We are all somehow brought back to basics. I have certainly spent quite some time in the past few weeks getting my priorities right once more.
There should always be time to say I love you x
I suppose there always is, it’s just that we don’t always take it.
Amen Tric. It is absolutely what matters and what keeps our hearts beating.
Agreed Coleen. And now I remember it life for a while is so much less complicated. Until I forget again!
😉 it’s a cycle for sure.
Another cliche elevated to the status of truth: “Don’t go to bed angry.” Because if I can take any comfort, it’s that Philip and I never ended a conversation without saying, “I love you.” I swear – if there had been anything wrong between us when he died, I don’t know how I would have survived the guilt. It’s hell as it is, but that, on top of it?
Strange what I’ve come to be grateful for…
Yes that would be horrendous. A friend of mine is three weeks into the loss of her small boy. It is so hard to watch. I am glad you have some small things to be grateful for.
Oh, not the little boy with leukemia?
My thoughts and prayers to your friend. Three weeks? My heart breaks for her; I don’t know how I survived that time, I really don’t. I know that having a friend like you has to help.
A lovely post Tric, as always. Even though I really don’t trust the Irish medical system, it is so much better than other countries. I often thank something out there that we can pay the €50 and get our children seen by a doctor. A little thing but so important – heaven help parents who lose children in third world countries from diseases that are preventable.
Hugs from those we love – there is nothing like them.
Thanks Lorna. If you could hear and know the level of care and kindness my young friend has experienced in hospital you might change your mind about the Irish medical system. Almost every consultant in the hospital has been part of this boys care, not to mention the nurses and doctors, catering staff and so many others. So much effort and expense put into saving one life. It is amazing to think about it.
I am glad to hear it Tric and yes, I’ve always heard that nurses and doctors do a wonderful job. I’ve never had to experience it for my children, thank goodness. I suppose what happened to Savita left a bad taste. I had my son under the NHS in the UK and never thought twice about it – never considered private healthcare over there. Yet, I went privately when I had my daughter. I’m not saying I was treated any differently than public, if anything I found the whole thing rather ‘male dominated’ but yet I just felt that sometimes you need some extra clout here.
Mind you, what happened to poor Savita is a whole other subject! I do think a lot of one’s care depends on the experts in a particular hospital though. But I know very little about it first hand, thank goodness.
Hoping the young warrior continues to rally x
Thanks Lorna. Fingers crossed. I had my fourth at home to avoid the male orientated world of childbirth!
I had to have sections! But all safe and that’s the main thing 😉
yes
What a wonderful post! We get so wrapped up in our “lives” that we forget the living part. Thanks for making me think!
Wonderfully written Tric! I keep reminding myself about the same things… to remember to be present in the moment you are in and enjoy it. I think we are often brought up really task-oriented and efficiency and accomplishments seem to be praised at school and in life so no wonder we forget to simply be. I see these things are changing now and am really glad about it.
Thanks Elina. Sometimes when we are on holiday and life becomes so simple I think we live in the moment, but when we return to every day it can be difficult.
It’s impossible to enjoy ‘every moment’; although we so often should. As an EMT I have on occasion seen how quickly it can all be over with no warning, whether it’s a car accident or a sudden medical issue. When your marker gets called in, it can be drawn out or without notice so we should appreciate where we ARE so much more than the hurried places we are going; and we should love those close to us…hugging a little longer, and kissing a little sweeter. Thanks for writing this, it’s a great reminder to look at those things that really matter. Wonderful Post!
Thanks for reading. As an EMT you certainly get it and I’m sure have regular reminders of those little moments we should not miss.
I totally agree. Afetr 2 strokes, deaths of my daughter & beloved Dad I try so hard to appreciate the life I have.. Its the people who bless our lives that make it matter . x
Oh Jacqui I did not know you had lost a daughter as well as you dad. How very difficult I am sorry for your loss. I am sure you greatly appreciate these moments. I hope also you are feeling a bit better?
Yes. What a good reminder. I forget too.. I can usually return to what is really important after questioning just about everything. You are right. This is what is important. I have had to let a lot go.. I am still dreaming of a tidy house. But I think I will miss my daughter being little when I have that.
Love to you. I’m a little behind on reading. But I will make it back here. Always a treat.
Laurie
I use that as an excuse sometimes “This house is a mess, ah well some day it will be tidy and they’ll all be gone”.:)
Me too 🙂
This made me tear… I can guess what might have triggered this post. Sending hugs your way.