To my Daughter.

                     

             Just for this morning, I am going to step over the
                 laundry, and 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
                 McDonald'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 favorite TV shows.

                 Just for this evening when I run my finger
               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 good night 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.............