"To My Child"

I just dropped off my five year old at Kindergarten. He is the youngest of five children and has been my best pal, side kick last five years. Surprisingly, I did not fall apart and cry like I thought I might. We walked together, took as many pictures as he would tolerate--like five, then when I tried to kiss him goodbye, he refused. That just about floored me. He said in a very exasperated voice, "Mom!" Which implied: "Don't embarrass me. I'm a big boy now." I was sad, but understood. His Father was proud of him refusing our usual hug and kiss. Now I'm exasperated!

I love this poem written by Anne Campbell and published in 1965 in "The Treasure Chest"--a book I inherited from my Great Grandfather, Moses Elias Gifford after he died--also a writer.

You are the trip I did not take;

You are the pearls I cannot buy;

You are my blue Italian lake;

You are my piece of foreign sky.

I really don't consider my children a sacrifice, but a beautiful gift. However, I do believe when we have children sacrifice is necessary. We will likely sacrifice time, talents, and personal pursuits for the benefit of our children more than we sacrifice traveling and things. But every sacrifice for our children is worth it when we do it in the spirit of boundless love.