To My Child

Just for this morning,
I am going to smile when I see your face and laugh when I feel like

crying.

Just for this morning,
I will let you choose what you want to wear, and smile and say how

perfect it is.

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 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 together on the porch and

count all the stars.

Just for this evening,
when I run my fingers through your hair,
I will simply be grateful that God Almighty 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 bedroom.

The mothers and fathers who are in hospital rooms watching their

children suffer
senselessly and screaming inside; that they can't handle it anymore.

WhenI kiss you tonight I will hold you a little tighter, a little

longer.
It is then, that I will thank Allah for having you, and ask him for

nothing, except one more day. . .


The 29 year old author wrote this poignant personal letter when

doctors informed him that
his only child, aged