Picture a child's first drawing of her home

and marvel at the sense of belonging.

Her little hearts and trees and birds

and the family with animals included.

Those tentative lines and squiggles showed

All that was important on a small straight road

My mother always said these would be the best days of my life?

With the broken sleep, the irregular hours and the disruption

The constant demands for undivided attention

and the fretting for lack of financial retention

In all of the struggles these still were the best of days

with lots of loving and hugging

of security and angst served with a breath of heaven...

Nothing to replace a child's enquiring mind

and those nights shared under the stars

of giggling at sillies relieving the tension

of a future unfolding with questioned apprehension.

When the news was bad we closed the circle

and took refuge in the family bond

that was as strong as iron forged on a fire of love

The beauty of innocence can be destroyed with disappoinment

But from each setback a valuable lesson is learned

Until we can teach the children no more

Then suddenly it is time for them to take a step on the road

further than their parents ever travelled

And thus it is time to let go

All that is taught we now must remember

as they blow a kiss to the folks at home

It is a job well done to accept the leaving

They are not ours, just on loan

The traces of their presence are imprinted on my heart

Gone in the flesh but never truly apart

How could I ever forget such a wonderful start......

Eve