As parents of young kids I find we are always documenting and anticipating our children's "firsts". Their first steps, their first bite of real food, their first bike ride, etc.
Recently I was reading a book where the character was thinking back on her adult children's lives. She had been so busy waiting for their "firsts" that she missed their "lasts".
It made me stop and think. I hear all the expressions about "enjoying every minute", "it goes by so fast", "one day you'll blink and they will be grown and gone." I try to do that and hang onto every precious day I have been given with my boys. But after reading that book, there was something deeper planted in my heart...my boys' "lasts."
The last time they will want to curl up in my lap...
The last time they will want me to tuck them in...
The last time I give them a bath...
The last time I get them dressed...
The last time I read them a book...
The last time they hold my hand to cross the street...
There will come a time when they won't need me for any of these things. I don't want to ever take for granted the little things I do on a day to day basis that will one day come to a stop. I don't want to look froward to their "firsts" so much that I miss one of the "lasts" and I didn't take time to enjoy it.
So Harrison might want me to tell him a story right when dinner is burning, my phone is ringing, and Jefferson is crying, but I'm going to find a time to do it, because one day he won't ask anymore.
Jefferson might like to just cuddle with me when I have a ton to get done, but one day will be the last time he curls up beside me and I don't want to miss it.
It sure has made the hectic days sweeter as I soak up the moments that will one day be a "last".
