Hold it!

I am in Georgia with my new granddaughter, Mary Ruth and enjoying every minute.  We will head home later this evening and my heart will remain here..it will be hard to leave.  While I was here, my sweet daughter-in-law, Joanna, graciously allowed me to take pictures of most anything I wanted.  She is a jewel!

One of the things that made me smile is a plaque in the nursery.  I had seen this before because my niece, Eva, bought it for the baby shower we held back at the Little Bayou House.  I liked it then but now it holds a whole new meaning.  "A mother holds her children's hands a while, their hearts forever."  This is so true.  My mom held onto my heart for a lifetime..she still has it even though she is no longer with us.  But..I think this saying could possibly be reversed as well.  A child holds onto mom's hand for a while but; for any mother worth her salt, that child will hold her heart forever.  I stood looking at that sign and thought of my son who is now a father.  He will forever hold my heart.  He is my firstborn and has made me so, so very proud. My daughter and youngest son also hold my heart.  Each, in their own way, is so perfect.  This holds true for my daughter-in-law and son-in-law..they, too, hold my heart. I love them dearly. Now, I behold my granddaughter.  Another child that grasp my heart in such a tremendous grip that nothing..nothing will ever wrest it away.  It is so amazing that each can hold my entire heart..my entire love..and yet, I have plenty left to share.  So goes love..the more you give, the better you feel.

The plaque hangs in the nursery but would do well to be etched into every parent's mind.  Show your children the love they deserve and you will hold their hearts forever and they..yours.