Days of Thankfulness #13

Some days it’s hard to see the beauty of the world around you. It’s hard to think about a positive thing in your life. Today is one of those days. So many thoughts swimming in my mind. Even with my negative thoughts this morning, I finally figured out what I’m thankful for:The mornings with my children.

Every morning, I wake up early to get my coffee and a moment to get myself together before the day starts. I see what’s needing to be done during day and get the weather report. I get backpacks and lunches ready. Some mornings I get my grocery list and coupons ready to go. Others, I get projects, homework, and anything else the kiddos need ready to go before school. As the morning goes on, one child will come down the stairs looking for me, smiles and hugs me. I admit, sometimes I don’t take the time to just enjoy that hug. I get the breakfast started and keep going about my morning. As I wake up the other children, I’m getting clothes and socks and shoes gathered up. Breakfast gets eaten, children dressed, teeth brushed, and the we’re ushered out of the door to head to school. I kiss the bigs and wish them a great day and an “I love you!” as they walk to their school, then I get the little one in the van and drop her off at her classroom. Again it’s a kiss, a hug, and “I love you!’ Then I head off to whatever errand or back home to do chores. It’s a routine.

This morning, I forced myself to stop. I stopped whatever I was doing to cherish the beaming smiles shooting at me when they came down the stairs. I cherished the hugs and let them linger a little longer before getting to the next step. We laughed and talked to each other as I helped them get dressed, tied their shoes, and brushed hair. I forced my thoughts to just focus on my time with my children. I realized that I’m a very lucky woman to be able to have the mornings with them. I know many other parents aren’t able to have these mornings. I know that tomorrow isn’t promised, so I could lose these precious moments with them. Even on the chaotic mornings, I’m grateful for them. The hugs, the I love yous, the what’s for breakfast?, the kisses goodbye, and everything that goes with it. I miss them when they’re gone and look forward to the time they come home. I’m truly a Blessed woman to have these 3 children to care for every morning.