Cherished Moments

Pausing to reflect on the last sweet 10 years by Tina Warren

I recall the first time I held you. You were this precious puckered little angel. I began to nurse you immediately. You sucked contentedly your tiny hand splayed across my breast. I remember thinking there was no more endearing sight than a child nursing.

Since then there have been many milestone moments. Your first smile nearly melted my heart. You giggled for the first time and I laughed until my sides hurt. Your first tooth and an infectious gap toothed grin. Your first word was "Dada" but mom's joy matched his. When you finally did say "Momma" the tears flowed. I knew no sweeter words had ever been spoken.
Then you were crawling and you would squeal in delight, as I would crawl after you pretending I couldn't catch you. Then I would suddenly grab you and swoosh you into my arms. You would hug me tight and smile. When you started to walk I would follow you around petrified that you would fall and I wouldn't be there to catch you. Your first little boo boo hurt me more than it did you. As those huge tear drops rolled down your red toddler cheeks my heart broke into a million pieces. I just knew I was not fit to be a mother.

You used to climb into my lap, place your chubby little hands on my cheeks and give me a kiss. Then you would nestle your head snugly to my chest and twiddle my hair until you fell into a sweet slumber.

It seemed like moments the years passed so quickly. You're first Christmas, your first birthday, then your fourth and then your tenth. The first time you rode a two wheeler and the first time you played in the snow. How many momentous milestones and priceless memories? I try to capture them all and store them in my frazzled brain. Everyday I add more and one day when I am an old woman alone in an empty nest I will treasure each one. Still I know the memories I shall cherish most are those of you at my breast. Those special moments when there was only you and I.