Today is a Gift

I am reminded today of what a gift it is to be alive.

I woke up this morning to “mom can I come in your bed?” My husband was getting ready for work and I was half asleep, gladly I said “sure.” My son Shane wanted to talk about his Halloween costume. Realizing he wasn’t going back to sleep I got up out of bed to get a much needed cup of coffee, I stood up and looked over at him and he was smiling at me, I thought these are the moments! I am a lucky woman to be here for this morning with my son.

Could you ever imagine not being there for those simple everyday moments with your child or children?

Three years ago today my sister past away unexpectedly leaving behind 3 children; a young boy and 2 teenage girls. My sister was an AMAZING mother, there for her children every step of the way. She was their biggest cheerleader and greatest fan.

They lost someone extraordinary that day, their lives will be forever altered and eternally changed. She loved them so immensely and they knew that everyday. Though she is gone the love she gave will transcend time and death. Those little everyday moments will be remembered and forever cherished and in years to come will be told in a story to her grandchildren or even their children.

Her legacy of love will live on and not be forgotten.

Be grateful today for all of you who are mothers and fathers. Embrace this day with your children, do something unexpected with them, for them. Hug them a little longer, tell them how much you love them, be in the moment with them, take it in, the way they look, the way they smell, their laugh, their smile and savor it.

Feel blessed you are here to encourage them to follow their hopes and dreams, to be unique, strong, confident, kind and generous in spirit. We get one shot at this to shape these young people, everyday counts, everyday matters, everyday means something extraordinary to them.

We get so caught up in our daily lives and the day to day grind of life (me included) that we forget to embrace each day and all the blessings and the people we are lucky enough to love and love us.

In memory of my dearly loved and deeply missed sister Jacquelin and in honor of her children feel lucky for this day with your children and loved ones, make it count, make it mean something.

“Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery and today is a gift, that is why they call it “The Present.”