Most parents will tell you that having kids is tough. I mean, REALLY tough! But trust me, pretty soon you will want to ask “can I carry you” one more time because they are growing up so quickly!
But even though our kids sometimes make us want to rip our hair out, being a parent is one of the most rewarding things in life. Seeing this little human being whom you made (literally, that YOU made), walking and talking and growing into their own little person is amazing to witness and very humbling.

Brother and Sister

Wesley Boy Mara Mara

Last month, both of my kids celebrated their birthday: Wesley turned 8 (!!!) and Mara turned 4! Wow! I am blown away by that fact!!! I seriously don’t feel like I’m old enough to have an 8 year old 🙂
Another thing parents always say, is that everything goes by in a blink. And that is SOOOO true! The kids turning another year older really made me reflect on the fact that it literally seems like yesterday that I brought Mara home from the hospital and gave her to Wesley to hold, and how he was so tender and gentle with her.
Proud Big Brother My Brother, My ProtectorI guess that’s why when I found this poem (Can I Carry You) by Brad Anderson, it really made me reflect on how fleeting these times are. I literally sobbed my way through it because I am right there at the moment and can so closely relate to what the author is talking about.
Wesley is already at the age where he thinks it’s WAY more fun to hang out with his friends than spend time with mommy. Mara is still a momma’s girl, but for how long? I already see her wanting to stretch her wings and be a “big girl” and do all the things that Wesley does!
It is my hope that you will read this poem and reflect for a moment.
Then, after you’ve had a chance to dry your eyes (because you’re gonna need to break out the kleenex!), go give your babies an extra hug and kiss.
Regardless of their age, no child is ever too old to appreciate a heartfelt “I love you” from their parent. To get wrapped up in mommy’s arms or snuggle up next to daddy.
Treasure this time you have with your babies, because while they are still small, the time goes so, so fast.

Can I Carry You?

© Brad Anderson
I guess that I can hold you
one more time before you grow.
And tell you that I love you
so that you will always know.
Please  let me tie your shoe again.
One day you’ll tie your own.
And when you think back to this time
I hope it’s love I’ve shown.
Can I help you put  your coat on?
Can I please cut up your meat?
Can I pull you in the  wagon?
Can I pick you out a treat?
One day you might just care for  me,
so let me care for you.
I want to be a part
of every little thing  you do.
Tonight could I please wash your hair?
Can I put toys in the  bath?
Can I help you count your small ten toes
before I teach you  math?
Before you join a baseball team
can I pitch you one more  ball?
And one more time can I stand near
to make sure you don’t  fall?
Let’s take another space-ship ride
Up to the Planet Zoor.
Before  our Cardboard Rocket
doesn’t fit us anymore.
Please let me help you up the  hill.
while you’re still too small to climb.
And let me read you  stories
while you’re young and have the time.
I know the day will  come
when you will do these things alone.
Will you recall the shoulder  rides
and all the balls we’ve thrown?
I want you to grow stronger
than  your Dad could ever be.
And when you find success there will be
no soul  more proud than me.
So will you let me carry you?
One day you’ll walk  alone.
I cannot bear to miss one day
from now until you’ve  grown.