A Poem for Busy Mommies and Daddies : “To My Grown-Up Son”
I read the poem below.
And my eyes welled up with tears.
I feel oh so guilty.
For I have been saying ‘No, I can’t just yet for I have this and that to do’ … to Vai’s simple daily request.
What was his simple request, you may wonder.
He only asked to play Monopoly.
He simply wanted to spend some twosome playtime with his Mommy.
…
And so as I type this post, I made a promise to myself,
Tomorrow, I will say ‘Yes, … come and let’s play Monopoly!’
I will hug and kiss him more.
I will hold him tight and tell him how much he means to me.
For I do not want to look back one day, and wish how I should’ve said ‘Yes’ to more little things he asked me.
…
“To My Grown-Up Son”
My hands were busy through the day,
I didn’t have much time to play
The little games you asked me to,
I didn’t have much time for you.
I’d wash your clothes; I’d sew and cook,
But when you’d bring your picture book
And ask me, please, to share your fun,
I’d say, “A little later, son.”
I’d tuck you in all safe at night,
And hear your prayers, turn out the light,
Then tiptoe softly to the door,
I wish I’d stayed a minute more.
For life is short, and years rush past,
A little boy grows up so fast,
No longer is he at your side,
His precious secrets to confide.
The picture books are put away,
There are no children’s games to play,
No goodnight kiss, no prayers to hear,
That all belongs to yesteryear.
My hands once busy, now lie still,
The days are long and hard to fill,
I wish I might go back and do,
The little things you asked me to.
by Alice E. Chase (March 8, 1986)
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This poem is much like the lyrics of Cats in a Cradle by Harry Chapin. Any parent in today’s world shouldn’t have to lament that they didn’t understand that the yrs would go by fast and too much time would be wasted letting “other” stuff get in the way of simply enjoying our childrens “childhoods”. I could have kept a very good paying job in 1969 when my 1st child was born, and could have afforded child care. But I chose to enjoy the person I was blessed with, there would be time in the future to go back to work…but loving her and being the biggest part of her life was far more important. I don’t regret the things or money I gave up. When she became a mother 26 yrs later, she made the same choices – gave up a promising job to raise her children, and later on when they were 12 and 10 she went back to work. If you chose to be a stay at home mom, there should be no excuse for not making your children the first priority. If you are a working mom, your time at home with your children should take priority as well for those most important early yrs, they do go by so fast. I can’t believe my grandchildren are already 16 and 14..and my children 43 and 40. Those early yrs and the time I spent with “them” are my fondest memories – no regrets, would do everything the same all over again. BTW – my late husband who died at the age of 63 – also made his “time” with his children (and grandchildren), the “most” important as well. His influence and love for his daughters lingers with them always. Giving your time to your children over other things in your life, doesn’t mean you give up time for other things, it just means that at certain times, there are priorities that set the time with your children at the top.
No one ever said life would be easy, they only say living it to its fullest & making your best effort every day, would be worth it.
Wanna share this poem at my facebook, is it ok?
Most welcome, Ol! =D
Hi again Leonny. This is such a touching poem. Yes indeed we are always busy & we do not want to look back with such thoughts as it is already too late. At the same time, we are only human and will do our best for our kids simply cos we love them! Ok I will play long awaited UNO with my boy =)
Awww .. a game of UNO would be so sweet! =)
Sometimes I need to remind myself that what seems ‘not that important’ to me may mean a lot more to a child … and setting aside time to do what a child sees as important will be more meaningful to him/her …
Before I read this simple yet touching poem, my hands n heart were busy caring towards my 6yo girl, Grace. She woke up after an hour sleep, complaining stomache n curled up like a frying prawn. Based on my mother instinct, suspecting she could have caught stomach flu or a cold as weather was turning more chilling from this month onwards.
15mins later, she had a nasty diluted poo. calm as usual, I gave her medication to ease her tummy pain n my brave girl just swallowed without making any fuss. She trusted me n even suggested to off the ceiling fan which could be the reason to cause her stomache. Clever n steady, my sweetie.
Comforting her with my prayer, rubbing with oilment on her little cranny tummy, I could see that she felt comforted n love which she very much needed from her dearest mummy. She very much worried about she might not be able to wake up early at 7am as she has to attend her graduation rehearsal. I told her that teacher would understand if she couldn’t make it but she continued to worry she couldn’t even attending her best friend’s birthday party. Patiently, I softly hugged her in my arm n again reassured her how a mummy could try her best telling her not to over worry n she just closed her eyes falling back to sleep in my ams..
I thank God for giving me to be there for my little girl who quietly listened n fully trusted her mother, that’s me who standby her throughtout her stomachache n worries. I could feel the smile on my face n warmth in my heart with my sleepy little lamb.
Little Grace, mummy will be your guarding angel. I will keep rubbing round and round on your aching tummy even if my hands are tired. Mummy is right here for you, always .
Thank you God, the moment I always treasure especially. I will remember it and put it in my heart deeply.
Thanks for such a timely moment inspiring me to share mine, my dear friend … Blessed nite to u n every parents there. ^~*
Thanks for sharing, Sharon.
Everyday is filled with opportunities for us to show love and care, and I find such a poem really reminds me of how important little things are to little ones …
Thx for sharing this beautiful poem. A wonderful reminder. I’ll be sharing this too on my site. Thx!
Most welcome to share with more =D
Very touching poem. And very true time flies. I think it applies to both boys and girls. I too feel guilty at times when I say No to my little one when am busy . This poem reminds how important it is to put our work aside and spend some time with our kids. Thanks for sharing 🙂
Yes, this poem is true for all children, regardless of gender … thanks for dropping me a note on it too. Have a great weekend!
Thanks for sharing the beautiful poem! It’s a great reminder to always take time away from our busy lives for our kids 🙂
Madeline recently posted..A Baby Carrier’s Ultimate Test
Yes Madeline … And, even for stay at home moms who are ‘with the kids’ a whole lot more, … I too need such a reminder from time to time …