Dinosaurs & Marbles

French fries on the floor of the back seat, mud tracked up the stairs on the light grey carpet, crumbs under the kitchen table, hand prints on the freshly windex’d front door…

When we’re young Moms, we’re certain we’ll never, ever miss these things.

Last week, Edna called laughing, excited to tell me about her Saturday morning doing house chores.  Vacuuming under the living room couch, she came across her great grandson’s toy dinosaur – a reminder of his recent visit.  She was laughing HYSTERICALLY!

Just a little while after our conversation, I felt as though I too, should probably vacuum under my couch, and lo and behold – 3 marbles came rolling out from a game Owen, Lyla and I played when they visited me a few months ago.

Let’s face it.  We really DON’T miss the crumbs, the mud, or the french fries on the floor.  And we really don’t want to step on a marble OR a dinosaur…   But we sure do miss those times, don’t we?

I FaceTimed my grands today while they swam in a pool down in Florida.  I watched as my exhausted daughter-in-law supervised Lyla and Owen splashing around giggling and making memories they’d cherish 30 years from now.  When I hung up, I wished I could squeeze Holly and tell her how much she’s going to miss these days.

Why?  Why must they go by so fast?

Dear little ones, we know you can’t slow time down, but while you grow, would you be so kind as to leave a few such treasures under the couch, for one day long from now when your Mom will need to remember how much she cherishes you and the time you belonged just to her?

Maybe just a dinosaur or a marble or two?