My Children

You know that warm and cozy feeling when you can snuggle up, either by yourself or with someone else; you just want the world to stop in that moment. But you can’t freeze-frame those moments, unfortunately.

I remember being keenly aware of this fact when I was in the hospital, just after having my youngest daughter. When I went into active labor with her, it was around Noon and the waiting room was filled with family and friends. My other two daughters had come 1) quickly and 2) in the middle of the night, that most of the family didn’t want to miss this one!

Once the dust settled, and everyone got their moment with the newest family member, I was finally left alone. The nurses wanted to take my daughter to the nursery for she and I to both to get some rest. However, I knew I needed to take my turn to snuggle up with my baby girl and take a mental picture of that moment in time. I knew I’d never be in that place again, never have the opportunity to soak up the precious moment. I was so aware that I even sang aloud the song, “Don’t Wanna Miss A Thing” by Aerosmith; “I don’t wanna close my eyes, I don’t wanna fall asleep cause I’d miss you baby and I don’t wanna miss a thing.  I just wanna be with you, every moment, here with you.”

Although I won’t ever get to live out that specific moment, I am able to connect to it each time I 1)hear that song and 2)whenever I get to give my baby girl, who is now in her 20’s a big and meaningful hug. As I reflect on the gospel reading from Sunday, May 15, 2022 – John 13:31-35, I can’t help but think Jesus is doing the same thing I did with my daughter. He is taking a moment to freeze-frame the memory and soak in the feeling of being in that place, in that moment and making sure not to let a minute pass without expressing His heartfelt feelings, telling them how much He loves them!