Let me hold you longer....

Long ago you came to me, a mircale of firsts:

first smiles and teeth and baby steps, a sunbeam on the burst.

But one day you will move away and leave me to your past,

And i will be left thinking of a lifetime of your lasts....

The last time that you ran to me, still small enough to hold.

The last time that you said you'd marry me when you grew old.

Precious, simple moments and bright flashes from your past-

Would I have held on longer if I'd known they were your last?

I never said good-bye to all your yesterdays long passed.

So what about tomorrow-will I recognize your lasts?

Your last few hours of kindergarten, those last days of first grade.

Your last at bat in Little League, your last colored picture made.

Silly scattered images will represent your past.

I keep on taking pictures, never quite sure of your lasts...

The last time that I comb your hair or stop a pillow fight.

The last time that I pray with you and tuck you in at night.

I look ahead and dream of days that haven't come to pass.

But as I do, I sometimes miss todays sweet, precious lasts...

My life keeps moving faster, stealing precious days that pass.

I want to hold on longer-want to recognize your lasts...

I've watched you grow and barley noticed seasons as they pass.

If I could freeze the hands of time, I'd hold on to your lasts.

For come some bright fall morning, you'll be going far away.

Life will beckon to you in a brilliant sort of way.

One last hug, one last goodbye, one quick and hurried kiss.

One last time to understand just how much you'll be missed.

I'll watch you leave and think how fast our time together passed...

Let me hold on longer, God, to every precious last...

from the book: Let me hold you longer by Karen Kingsbury