Salvaged Opportunity

 I had just finished washing the dishes from dinner. I was eager to put the kids to bed as it had been a particularly difficult day. I was tired and weary, and just wanted some quiet to myself. I entered the bathroom where Hazzy was playing in the tub and reminded him, "It's time to finish up now." He replied, "But I don't want to finish, mummy." I could have disregarded his remark and just pulled the plug from the bathtub. But I mustered up my last patience and said, "I know, darling, but it's already 7 o'clock." Then he asked me earnestly, "Ok. But would you like me to make you a cup of coffee?" I decided to be a kind mum and said ok. He then busily started pouring the bathwater into different cups and then finally poured the "coffee" into a pretty plastic tea cup and gave it to me saying, "Here's your flat white, mummy." I was thinking how sweet it was that he remembered my prefered type of coffee and pretended to drink it. We both smiled at each other. Then he said softly, "I love you mummy." after which I responded by giving him a kiss.

 I want to cherish this moment and think of it every time I feel like I'm not doing enough. I hope I can remember at those times that all they want is my time and affection. Every time I feel like my children are interfering with whatever I think I need to do, I hope to remember that nothing is more important at that moment then being their mother. The laundry can be done later. The dishes can wait. The mess and clutter can always be dealt with another time. But these precious opportunities to bond with my children won't come back once the moment has passed.

 So today, I decided to make an effort to spend at least 5 minutes everyday with each child, when I will give them my undivided attention. Because, as they say, 'The days are long but the years are short.'