I never thought this would come so soon. My 6 year old son told me, when I asked him why he wouldn’t let me kiss him especially when we were in school, “I’m all grown up. My classmates would see you giving me a kiss…” I got surprised when he said that. But I followed his answer up with a question: “What’s wrong with me kissing you?” But he was not able to reply as his classmates started coming in. I left the room feeling sad and kind of confused. I wanted to hug and kiss my kids always and let them know that I love them so much.
When I picked him up after school, he explained the reason. He said most of his classmates were brought to school by nannies so it’s expected that they won’t kiss their nannies, and vise versa. So it’s a bit embarrassing for them to be kissed in public because only a few do it there. Ahh, I’m relieved and convinced this time. He just doesn’t want PDA (lovers, as if! lol). I find his explanation reasonable because when we are in our house, he is very loving and would always ask me to lie beside him before he dozes off during siesta and nighttime.
Tonight, as he sleeps, I watch him and I thought, he really has grown up! How time flies! I miss my baby boy! And it saddens me to think that he may someday let go of me---which will surely happen. He will spread his wings and do whatever he wants to, go to places he wishes to visit, etc. Hah…but for now, I will try my best to give all the time and love I can give, for someday, he will be too busy with other things. I will make sure that he doesn’t forget to give Mommy a kiss, even if it means giving it on the way to school, when none of his classmates are looking! *wink* And I will make sure that I will not own the poem below someday. I’m posting this so I will always remember to have time for my kids, kiss or no kiss! :D
My Hands Were Busy
My hands were busy throughout the day
I didn't have much time to play
The little games you asked me to.
I didn't have much time for you.
I'd wash your clothes, I'd sew and cook,
But when you'd bring your picture book
And ask me please to share your fun,
I'd say: "A little later, son."
I'd tuck you in all safe at night
And hear your prayers, turn out the light,
Then tiptoe softly to the door...
I wished I'd stayed a minute more.
For time is short, the years rush past...
A little boy grows up so fast.
No longer is he at your side,
His precious secrets to confide.
The picture books are put away,
There are no longer games to play,
No goodnight kiss, no prayers to hear...
That all belongs to yesteryear.
My hands, once busy, now are still.
The days are long and hard to fill.
I wish I could go back and do
The little things you asked me to.
Author Unknown
When I picked him up after school, he explained the reason. He said most of his classmates were brought to school by nannies so it’s expected that they won’t kiss their nannies, and vise versa. So it’s a bit embarrassing for them to be kissed in public because only a few do it there. Ahh, I’m relieved and convinced this time. He just doesn’t want PDA (lovers, as if! lol). I find his explanation reasonable because when we are in our house, he is very loving and would always ask me to lie beside him before he dozes off during siesta and nighttime.
Tonight, as he sleeps, I watch him and I thought, he really has grown up! How time flies! I miss my baby boy! And it saddens me to think that he may someday let go of me---which will surely happen. He will spread his wings and do whatever he wants to, go to places he wishes to visit, etc. Hah…but for now, I will try my best to give all the time and love I can give, for someday, he will be too busy with other things. I will make sure that he doesn’t forget to give Mommy a kiss, even if it means giving it on the way to school, when none of his classmates are looking! *wink* And I will make sure that I will not own the poem below someday. I’m posting this so I will always remember to have time for my kids, kiss or no kiss! :D
My Hands Were Busy
My hands were busy throughout the day
I didn't have much time to play
The little games you asked me to.
I didn't have much time for you.
I'd wash your clothes, I'd sew and cook,
But when you'd bring your picture book
And ask me please to share your fun,
I'd say: "A little later, son."
I'd tuck you in all safe at night
And hear your prayers, turn out the light,
Then tiptoe softly to the door...
I wished I'd stayed a minute more.
For time is short, the years rush past...
A little boy grows up so fast.
No longer is he at your side,
His precious secrets to confide.
The picture books are put away,
There are no longer games to play,
No goodnight kiss, no prayers to hear...
That all belongs to yesteryear.
My hands, once busy, now are still.
The days are long and hard to fill.
I wish I could go back and do
The little things you asked me to.
Author Unknown
14 comments:
I was born in 1971. My parents divorced in 1976 - and from around 1977 to 1983-84 my mother had a faded - yellowing copy of this poem on our Fridge. It was from the Ann Landers collum as I remember. I believe this was the first time as a child I really understood the meaning of eternal regret. How some things can be gone foever - never to return. I also remember crying something like the 20th or 50th time I read the poem, because I 'got it.'
I'd not read these words in over 25 years, and found your site by the usual link to link to link etc. I just had to close my office door for 10 mins as I sobbed. I have a 1 year old of my own now - and while I think I never forgot the spirit of these words seeing them anew was more than I could have expected. I've copied them for posting in my house now. Thank you so much.
It is a very moving post though I can't relate because I dont have a child yet.
And Luce.. that's a very moving moment.. God bless
yeah, that's what most mothers i get to talk to complain about when it comes to their big boys... i guess like the very inspiring poem you shared here, parents should make the best of the first few years they spend hands on with their kids. oh, how fast kids of today grow up! :)
lovely post Beth...
there's a lesson for all of us here. we all know that regrets come last so that we should see to it that we make each moment count. time is so precious to be wasted. spending quality time with our children while they are still young will create that bond that can never be broken even when our kids are older.
Ohh...that is really a sad one but, just cheer up...your baby is intelligent enough to explain. Just think of the other side of the coin. Time flies so swifly nga naman noh? Anyway, happy holidays.
I like that little verse. But it is SCAREY...
Hiya Beth, done adding this in my 3 blogs... Please check out your links:
http://madzlifesdiary.blogspot.com/
http://madzlifesknowledge.blogspot.com/
http://mybeachweddinginmauritius.blogspot.com/
Appreciate if you could add my 3 blogs on yours too. Thanks a lot...
GOD BLESS & MERRY CHRISTMAS!
Luce: thanks for the touching comment. I am happy I was instrumental in your finding of this poem. God bless! :D
Cyra: Thanks for the comment, you can't relate yet but someday, you will surely remember this poem, when you're already a mom. :D
Edelwiza: Yes, children grow up so fast today! So we have to make the most of the time we got to let our loved ones know that we love them. Thanks for the comment! :D
Enchie: thanks for the compliment! proof that you always read my posts! :D
kikamz: very well said, i do love your posts and comments! :D
amy: thanks for the comment and taking the time to read this post. Really, time flies! Let's make the most of it! :D
Dave: The poem is a bit scary, if we fail to apply the lesson behind it. It's always scary to lose some things/moments that are so precious to us---forever. :D
Madz: Thanks for dropping by my site! And adding me up on your sites. God bless! :D
Hi Beth! :) That was such a funny and moving post. Funny because that's also how my son was when he was in regular school and we'd hug him in front of his classmates, lol. He wouldn't hug us back and he'd just stand there and look the other way. And he's still like that in front of his friends. And moving, because I'm like that mom sometimes who can't pay attention when my son is showing something to me. So I'm really feeling guilty. But I've always promised myself though that I'd pay more attention next time. And your post did remind me of that.
oh my, i hate to think of my son growing up so fast, too...jusme, my heart will break a thousand times!
i linked you up pala with the mom blogger friends :)
how old is your son na ba?...
i remember when im still in college our parents still kiss us going and coming home from school....hahahahahaha...
its good way of better relatinship between kidz and parents...my point is,continue doing it to your son....lolz..
I also remember the yellow copy of this poem, hanging from my grandparents' fridge. It has been there since I could remember and when my Grandmother passed in 1991, I asked to have it. Just a few days ago, I lost my grandfather and I instantly thought of this poem and how I could re-arrange it to be meant for a parent or grandparent. It is such a moving bunch of words. It still makes me appreciate the simple things and makes me regret not being a better daughter to my mother. It reminds me that it is never too late to make up for lost time. Love w/ reckless abandon and no regrets.......
Post a Comment