Just One More Day

Dear Eudora,

Just for this morning, I am
going to step over the laundry,
pick you up and take you to
the park to play.

Just for this morning, I will
leave the dishes in the sink,
and let you teach me how to put
that puzzle of yours together.

Just for this afternoon, I will
unplug the telephone and
keep the computer off, and sit with you
in the backyard and blow bubbles.

Just for this afternoon, I will
not yell once, not even a tiny
grumble when you scream and whine
for the ice-cream truck,
and I will buy you one if he comes by.

Just for this afternoon, I won't
worry about what you are going to
be when you grow up,
or second guess every decision I
have made where you are concerned.

Just for this afternoon, I will let
you help me bake cookies, and I won't
stand over you trying to fix them.
Just for this afternoon, I will take us
to Mc Donald's and buy us both a
Happy Meal so you can have both toys.

Just for this evening, I will hold
you in my arms and tell you a story
about how you were born and
how much I love you.

Just for this evening, I will let
you splash in the tub and not get angry.

Just for this evening, I will let
you stay up late while we sit on
the porch and count all the stars.

Just for this evening, I will
snuggle beside you for hours,
and miss my favourite TV shows.

Just for this evening when I run
my fingers through your hair as you pray,
I will simply be grateful that God
has given me the greatest gift ever given.

I will think about the mothers and fathers
who are searching for their missing children,
the mothers and fathers who are visiting
their children's graves instead of their bedrooms,
and mothers and fathers who are in hospital
rooms watching their children suffer senselessly,
and screaming inside that they can't handle it anymore.

And when I kiss you goodnight, I will hold
you a little tighter, a little longer.
It is then, that I will thank God for you,
and ask him for nothing,
except one more day... ... ...

I Love You,
Mommy