My little girls have grown into young women

No longer their hero or the one they shower with kisses freely

I wait, like a thief, for moments I can steal away

A long hug, a conversation of more than Hello's and Goodbyes'

Quiet times... not shopping days when I'm spending money to be with one or all of them

Standing at the kitchen counter, sharing our day, laughing as silly Lauren dances in her undies and donkey slippers

Those are the moments I treasure

Every so often, I am blessed with a rare opportunity

Having one of them lay next to me, so close I can feel the warmth of her body

And see the soft, rhythmic rising in her chest

I take in the scent of her hair

Praying the minutes will pass like hours

When did I hold her like this last?

So many thoughts run through my mind

What does the future hold for her?

Who will be her true love?

Will she remember me when love fills her life?

Relax...  savor the moment

Oh, it is so very rare

These brief glimpses of our yesterday, carry me through our tomorrows

I am so blessed... even by stolen moments, I am blessed