Someday I will lie awake,
Which will be unusual for me.
For every night I will sleep right through,
Waking as rested as I hope to be
Sleeping, though I will cherish it well,
Will not begin to compare or relate
To the nights I used to be on call
To my children for whom I prayed.
Midnight Feeding, accident cleaning, medicine dosing...
In-the-dark diaper changing and video monitor staring...
These are the things I will "used to do"
That I would trade in a heartbeat for bagless-eye wearing.
Someday I will eat my meals
In silence and at a pace that I choose.
I will dine in stylish restaurants. Finish with dessert?
Of course! I will have nothing to lose.
Eating, though I will cherish it well,
Will not begin to compare or relate
To the meals I missed whilst instead
Feeding my children for whom I prayed.
Spill wiping, veggie battling, goldfish everywhere finding...
Bib washing, cold lunch chowing and wiping food from hair...
These are the things I will "used to do"
That I would humbly trade for the missing booster chair.
Someday I will chat with family and friends
And enjoy intellectual conversation.
I will actively listen to the stories of others
and will thrive on this active participation.
Adult interaction, though I will cherish it well
Will not begin to compare or relate
To the animated toddler language and talk
of the children for whom I prayed.
Silly song singing, outdoor voice using...
Fixing mixed up words, handling tantrums and riots...
These are the things I will "used to do"
That I would instantly trade for the quiet.
Someday I will look my best,
Having time to shower, primp and style.
I will makeup my face and shave my legs,
Dry my hair and dress up MORE than once in a while.
Beauty, though I will cherish it well
Will not begin to compare or relate
to the slovenly days of early motherhood
with the children for whom I prayed.
Spitup stain wiping, like a diaper smelling...
Quick showering with an audience, throwing hair in a bun...
These are the things I will "used to do"
that I would trade for no need to be on the run.
Someday I will be all caught up
On my errands and laundry and chores.
My house will be spotless and table will be set.
I'll find time to read alone and be outdoors.
Time, though I will cherish it well,
Will not begin to compare or relate
To the chaotic mess and endless list of to-dos
Despite raising the children for whom I prayed.
Public outburst hushing, nightly toy cleaning, onesie folding...
stepping on legos and trying not to scream...
These are the things I will "used to do"
That I would trade for the empty house, now clean.
Someday I will drive in peace
and easily get where I need to be.
I will be hip to new music and pack a small purse.
I will be in and out, wherever I go, with ease.
New car, though I will cherish it well,
Will not begin to compare or relate
To the chauffeur service I provide
to the children for whom I prayed.
Nursery rhyme blasting, Carseat buckling...
stroller pushing, cheerio brushing and mini van driving...
These are the things I will "used to do"
That I would trade for the chance to go under-the-seat snack diving.
Someday I will be light and free.
I will do as I want on a daily basis.
I will reward myself with pats on the back
And enjoy recognition and appreciative faces.
Thanks, though I will cherish it well,
Will not begin to compare or relate
To the unpaid hours of absolute bliss
with the children for whom I prayed.
Hand holding, story reading, tear drying, giggling all day long...
Footstep hearing, tickle giving, ouchie kissing galore
These are the things I will "used to do"
That I would trade for the chance to relive it once more.
