Wait! Who's the teacher?

My darling daughter has always been an affectionate child. She loves words, your attention, and big warm hugs. When she leaves, she says, repeatedly, "Goodbye Mommy. I love you Mommy!" and gives me a big hug. At bedtime, she says, repeatedly, "I love you Mommy. Goodnight Mommy." I may be writing, reading, researching, planning, washing dishes, folding clothes, etc., but I always answer her. She will keep on saying it. Finally, one afternoon, I said, "I just answered you, why are you saying it again?" She said, "Because I wanted to make sure you heard me."

Wait! What? It was like being hit over the head with a brick. How could I be so dim?

The first thing I've learned from my daughter is to be in the moment. It's an easy one, I know. But, can you truly say you are present in that moment? Or thinking about what's next on your to do list for the day? Or what you need to get at the grocery store? Sometimes, it's a lot harder than you think to just stop. Be there. Not caring about what you have to do next. Not worrying about what your going to make for supper. Is the laundry still going to be there? You bet. Are the dishes still going to be waiting for you? You bet. So, what's wrong with stopping and taking the time to fully acknowledge your child? In the end, what's more important? No need to answer that question. I'll take my baby girl's hugs, kisses, and "I love you's" any day.

*Long pause between typing the rest of this post. I turned away from the computer to talk to my daughter. She had a question to ask me. After I helped her, I told her I loved her. Gave her big hugs too. *

See, I can still learn a thing or two.

The second thing I learned from her is to share your love. OK, so I know everyone is saying, well, yeah, we know that already too. What's wrong with you woman? But do you always do it? Do you always tell someone you love them before you leave or give them a hug? Do you tell them how much you appreciate them, how special they are, or how much they mean to you?  Never waste that moment. Life is fleeting. Don't assume there will be another day because you may never get that chance again. And, that's a fact.

So, go ahead. Listen. Love. Live. Share. Breathe those moments in because you never know when it's going to be your last.

Lesson learned. School's out.