Last Week of School

When they are newborn, you spend each and every night in the rocking chair. Rocking and sleeping, rocking and sleeping. Knowing that if you stop, they will wake up crying and any thought of sleep goes right out the window.

Do they appreciate it?

No, they do not.

As they get older you kiss every boo-boo, check under their beds and in their closets for monsters before bedtime, and fill their curious minds with knowledge.

Do they appreciate it?

No, they do not.

You spend every waking hour worrying about them. You go without just so they have everything they need and want. You lose sleep when they are out late, not daring to go to bed before they return. You won't sleep until you know they are safe anyway.

Do they even realize the sacrifice?

No, they do not.

They speak to you with total disrespect quite often, and with love once in a while. You hold on to those few moments tightly, bringing them to mind when they are testing your patience. You don't take their attitude to heart, knowing that they do love you.

Do they appreciate your patience?

No, they do not.

They are children. This is how children are. They are selfish creatures that eventually grow out of their self-centeredness and become respectable human beings. I know this to be true for I was once a child myself.

Will I survive the summer with my kids home?

Goodness, I hope so.