By Esther Vandersluis 
I am reminded once again to live in the moment to embrace this stage of my child’s life and to be thankful for each and every experience along the way. I am blessed to be able to go through each of these moments with my daughter and soon again with my baby on the way.
From the nosey-nosey kisses, to chasing each other through the house – a mother and child’s bond is one of excitement, beauty, and pure delight. These moments between a mother and her child are the moments that are truly magical.
Do you remember these moments? Perhaps between yourself and your own mom? Or possibly between you and your grown up son or daughter?
Bedtime cuddles, that last a bit too long. You don’t want to let go, and she doesn’t either. Not yet. Slowly you both drift into a deep sleep – not wanting to move, holding on until the early hours of the morning.
Peek a boo giggles. She giggles, you giggle. The simple game that brings you together after a long day of cries, whines, and complaints. The simple game that brings joy to both you and her.
Story time snuggles. Cozy and Warm. Peaceful and comforting. You can count on this special time to be a time of bonding, a time of dreaming, and a time of diving into another world that only you two know.
Tickle Tortures. Uncontrollable laughter. Loud, joyous running through the house. A time to forget all worries. A time to allow those tears to roll down your face with the howls of glee you can’t bare contain. A time to let it out, together.
Holding hands while crossing the street. Protection and guidance. You don’t let go when you get to the other side – just because.
A knowing glance in a public crowd. You get each other. You know what the other is thinking. You can relate and fully understand. Even amidst the busyness and noise of those around you. You are on each other’s sides.
A new skill learned with a celebration party to follow. There is always a moment to celebrate. The first steps. The first words. Learning to swim. Learning to write. A grade on a test. A dance recital completed. A thrill for you; a thrill for her. A time to come together with pride.
A comfort hug after a time of hurt or fear. You lean on each other. Embrace the warmth of one another. Trusting and laying the burdens down. You always have each other.
An afternoon of play with no thought of time. The hours pass by without acknowledgement. You’re crawling, and chasing, and throwing balls, and playing games, and simply having the most fun. Perfect happiness.
Soft whispers of ‘I love yous’. Whether in the supermarket or as you both say good-night. Those three small words provide warmth that spreads throughout your entire being, even on the coldest of nights.
These are the moments. These moments can take your breath away. These moments are moments that are cherished throughout time. These moments are moments of love. And what is more magical than the love between a mother and her child?
Maybe you too are experiencing many of these moments right here and now. Don’t let them go. See the magic in them and chose to see the beauty of each and every one.
by Kimberly Keys 
by Bree Sprual 
by Vicki Bahr 
by Jaybie D. 
by Brittany Moore 
by Charissa Bates 
