Hug your child.

Today has been the kind of day that makes me realize that the most important thing you can do for your child is to love them.  Others will educate them, entertain them, bore them, anger them, frustrate them, intrigue them, interest them, talk to them.  But the only person in the world that can love them unconditionally is a parent.  As a parent, our love has no strings attached.  Whoever they are, whatever they are, wherever they are - we love them.

We feel this amazing, all-encompassing love for our children.  We feel overwhelmed by it.  It takes our breath away by how much our hearts fill with love for this little person that is in our life.  So tell them!

Take that moment.  Make sure they know.  Because when they are a parent, they will remember how Mom or Dad took them into their arms and told them how special they are and how much they are loved. That love will be carried on and your simple act will become a legacy.  A hug that is not asked for is so big in the heart of a child.  So please hug your child today.  They really will remember it, and love it.  And their heart will feel so much fuller because of it, and they will tuck that love away to share with others.

Yesterday, I asked my daughter, 'Rachel, have I told you lately that you are awesome?'  Rachel responded, 'Yes mom, yes you have.'  She smiled so big when she said it.  Wow.  My heart smiled in return, and my eyes teared, and my mouth laughed.   All I can say is that I am so happy that that funny, quirky little child is mine.  And yes, she certainly is awesome.  :-)  Oh, and the older one is pretty awesome too!  Grin.