In these eyes of aged years, I still see you as an active little boy, Racing around the house, Playing with your toys. Gathering up your fishing poles, Going down to the creek, Gonna catch a mess of fish, You did this once a week. Wandering along a narrow path, Following a friend so dear, Staying close to your buddy, Always wanting the other near. My precious little darling child, I watched you grow into a man, From the tiny tot upon my knee, To an adult in full command. I watch as you play with your son, And memories quickly replay, Your Daddy playing with you, Seems like only yesterday. You have reached a time in life, Where you now fill the part, Of a parent watching a child, And love overwhelms the heart. One day you too will walk, In the path of memory lane, Wishing with all your heart, To live those days again. I will e'er remember watching the child, And the branches of life you've swung, But in my heart today and evermore, You'll continue to be ..... Forever Young!

This poem expresses so well what every mother feels. Memories of those early years grow more precious with each year that passes. As we become older, more and more often we tend to recall those years when our children were youngsters with a fondness  which warms the heart as few other memories ever will. Perhaps they are the very best gift of all.

Nothing can bring a smile to my face quicker than remembering a little boy covered in mud, soaked to the skin, with a  look on his face saying "boy, am I ever going to get a scolding ", but still quite pleased with himself and his latest endeavour which he had thoroughly enjoyed. Certainly Mommy's concern  that he could well have invited a cold was the last thought on his mind as he played in every puddle he came across on his way home from school. If I could go back I would handle that problem so much differently. Scoldings may seem to be the intelligent course of action with a wee boy who persisted in always ignoring admonitions about visiting every puddle he came across but today I think a big hug and a chuckle and  a big fluffy towel  would be my more likely reaction.

 Why is it that only as our children become adults does our wisdom improve so much ?