Precious Moments

 

The first time he smiles at you

Or the moment he finally crawls;

That instant he takes his first steps,

Even if there are multiple falls.

When he starts to talk in sentences

And can say “I love you” back.

When he prays for Mommy and Daddy

Or says ‘please’ when he asks for a snack.

He brings you a flower he picked,

Even though it might be a weed.

He rides a bike without training wheels

And takes off at impressive speed.

He draws a picture of his family—

And you all look happy and kind.

That phase when he starts to pick up

Every rock, it seems, he can find.

He begins to read—and he’s bursting—

Seeing words wherever he goes

And telling you what they say;

How his little face just glows.

He’s a pro at swimming lessons;

His confidence grows with each stroke.

He empties his coin bank to help you

‘Cause he heard you say you’re broke.

His team wins first place in the relay,

As he runs his heart out on the track.

He rocks his piano recital;

It seems that he has a real knack.

One night he stays up really late,

Makes a present with crafty gear—

A Nativity scene for his teacher;

She still puts up every year.

Before you know it, he’s driving

With a license in his possession;

Staying overnight with friends

Becomes a slight obsession.

Then it’s high school graduation;

He beams from ear to ear—

And you ask yourself, how it went

So quickly from diapers to here.

Each moment, even the tough ones,

Has shaped this dear boy through the years.

He leaves home to find his path,

And you wave to him through your tears.

The moments have all been precious

And shaped a life story for good,

Though some you would like to revisit

Just once, if only you could.

 

© 2024 Teresa Miles Kephart