Tradition

As my little family so quickly grows up I find myself experiencing milestones through my children that I still remember as if they happened two blinks ago. Tonight was such a night. Along with the anticipation and excitement that came along with summer evenings turning shorter and cooler, and school right around the corner, came a sweet time when we gathered round for a father's blessing. I loved this tradition as a girl when I got to hear insights and tender parental affection, both earthly and heavenly, for each of my siblings and me.

Tonight we carried on this tradition as we have since Anna began school. Anna, Abby and Nate (who will be starting pre-school) each took their turn feeling proud to perch on the stool and be the recipient of such a special connection to heaven through their dad. I loved watching each of them as they sat with rare reverence nobly resisting their own brand of self-conscious smile, their eyes determinedly shut. Benny made a show of folding his arms and then loudly demanding praise for his good behavior. These are the days that will be gone all too soon. Thank goodness they're mine forever.