A gift from Rachel Stafford

Look at your child's eyelashes and marvel at their perfect symmetry.
They will look different a year from now.

Reach for his hand and remember how it feels in your own.
It will be bigger a year from now.

Listen to him sing, "Jesus loves me." Close your eyes and memorize his voice.
It will not sound so childlike a year from now.

Watch him sleep as he awaits a visit from the tooth fairy.
He will believe a little less in magical things a year from now.

Let him help in the kitchen. Taste much and laugh often.
You might find he is no longer your shadow a year from now.

Teach him something he's been asking to learn. Encourage and guide him.
He might be able to do it by himself a year from now.

Offer to play tag in the yard. Watch him delight as you chase him.
You might not be able to keep up a year from now.

Sit with him as he eats cereal. Listen to his philosophy of life.
He may not have as much to share a year from now.

Tell him a favorite story for the millionth time as he nestles in the crook of your arm.
He may not fit as perfectly a year from now.

Stare at his face. See yourself in the amazing individual before you.
I may see a little less of myself in him a year from now.