Saints Alive > Authors > Essays

Just For Ever
Unknown, modified by Ann Berlin

Just for this morning, I am going to step over the laundry,
and pick you up and take you to the park to play.

Just for this morning, I will leave the dishes in the sink,
and let you teach me how to play tug of war together.

Just for this afternoon, I will unplug the telephone and keep the computer off,
and sit with you in the backyard and listen to the sounds of nature.

Just for this afternoon, I will not yell once when you ask for attention,
and I will look into your eyes and try to understand you.

Just for this afternoon, I won't worry if you are obedient,
or second guess how I've trained you.

Just for this afternoon, I will let you stay by my side while I bake cookies,
and I might accidentally drop a few.

Just for this afternoon, I will take us to McDonald's, buy us both aVeggie Burger,
and let you unwrap it yourself.

Just for this evening, I will hold you in my arms, and tell you how you
came into my life, and how much I love you.

Just for this evening, I will let you splash in the tub and not get angry.

Just for this evening, I will go outside with you,
and we'll sit on the porch and contemplate the stars.

Just for this evening, I will snuggle beside you for hours,
and miss my favorite TV shows.

Just for this evening when I stroke your back, I will simply be grateful
that God has given me the greatest gift ever given.

I will think about the people searching for missing pets,
the people who are visiting their pet's graves instead of their bedrooms,
and people who are in veterinary hospitals,
watching their pets suffer, until they can't handle it anymore.

And when I hug you good night
I will hold you a little tighter, a little longer.
It is then, that I will thank God for you,
and ask him for nothing,
except one more day.