A beautiful fragile rose, slowly but surely unfolding as it feels the warm rays of the sun caressing its petals until its full beauty and glory is evident to all who are fortunate enough to look upon it's beauty. One could as easily equate this to the blossoming of a child as the warmth of love encourages them to open themselves to life. Roses require nurturing and loving tender care if they are to flourish and achieve their full potential. A child is no different  The rewards for providing these essential  ingredients are manifold and certainly more than worth the effort.

 Any gardener knows that a lack of nutrients and the proliferation of weeds when one neglects their gardens starves a plant of the ingredients necessary to thrive and prosper. Nothing is more important as we raise our children. Attention, love, time, and teaching them by example are as necessary as the air they breathe if they are to achieve adulthood as healthy, mature, secure individuals prepared to meet the storms and tempests which will inevitably come their way in years to come.

The child who is loved, and knows it, will blossom. The child who lives with fear, rejection, and uncertainty will struggle to survive but  the chances of flourishing as a confident adult are very much diminished. The blemishes which they carry may not be visible to the naked eye but they scar the soul of that child throughout their lifetime.

The parent who doesn't take the time to know their child cheats themselves of one of life's greatest joys. And deprives that child of their god given right. 

As parents we must find the wisdom to guide them down the path that their feet must take so that someday they'll be able to walk alone. I know that is not always as easy as it sounds for most of us are not that much more than children ourselves when first we take on the many responsibilities of parenting. None of us have all the answers and we do make mistakes for we are only human and there is no handbook for caring.  But as long as we remember to love them always no matter what else is happening in our lives, and to cherish every one of those moments.. for they are only moments  in the over all scheme of things, we will have no regrets. Our children are only little for such a brief time. Take the time to enjoy really coming to know these precious gifts.

Once they are grown we never have another chance to tell stories and pretend at those tea parties. We never have another chance to watch them in a school play, or to see them catch that first fish or score that first goal or hit that first home run ball. Take the time in life's busy schedule to have fun with your children. Correct and not just punish, explain and not merely scold, even know when to look the other way. Patience and a gentle hand will make them the adults you wish them to be. Teach by example. For those little eyes and those young minds are absorbing every action and sound around them, for they are trusting, impressionable, and innocent, throughout these all too short moments of their developing years of childhood. You are the beacon they will follow for the kind of adult they will become.

 As you witness the blossoming of this precious fragile being I promise you it will bring joys you cannot even imagine as you see visible proof of the wonder of a child of your heart becoming the full blown beautiful flower he or she was meant to be, knowing you have tended your garden well. And knowing you have a lifetime of memories to hold close to your heart as you let go of their hand and  watch them embark on life's journey  well equipped for whatever may lie ahead.