child of mine

at the skatepark in Avalon; photo by Billy Rielly

Empty hotel nesters is the label we give ourselves. Easter arrived dusted with sugary snowflakes. A patchwork quilt of a meal was weaved together with Dad, Darren, and Chase. A boisterous visit with Grandpa and Aunts and Uncles resulted in ribbons of bright laughter. Fullness of family and friendship lulled me to slumber in peace. A note to Land Down Under wriggled through cyberspace, "remember that Khloee and the Easter Bunny love you." A reference to his four-year old self listing the most dedicated loves of his life. He is on high adventure at the moment. A three-week safari through Australia... the Murray River, Ayers Rock, Alice Springs, the Daintree, Melbourne, the Great Barrier Reef, the Gold Coast, and many more. We receive notes about our land. "A lovely boy" - "What a thoughtful young man" - "A great conversationalist" - "a super addition to our team." And I see him through new eyes. A good heart... independent... driven... I miss his face. Why do you learn so much about someone when separate?

This song sung at Chase's fifth grade celebration, expresses everything: (oh, and I feel this way about both my children)

Child of mine, you are the wildest wind and the dearest dream
I will ever know.
Love's lasting light shines out from deep within this father's heart
As I watch you grow.

Child of mine, you are the break of dawn and the brightest star
I will ever know
Love's lasting light comes shining on and on from this mother's heart
As I watch you grow

There is a road, and that road is all your own
But we are here, you need not walk alone.
To face, not fear each coming new unknown
Is the way to lift your wings

Child of mine, you are the sweetest song and the greatest gift
I will ever know.
Child of mine, where spirits fly above there is but one
that belongs to you.

So let it grow and it will thrive on love
For it is love that sees us through

You have the hands that will open up the doors
You have the hopes this world is waiting for
You are my own, but you are so much more
You are tomorrow on the wing,

Child of mine.

- Bill Staines