The inspiration for this article came years ago from my grandmother. My dad was going through a particularly difficult time. My mom died, he had a heart attack, lost his job all in a few months.  As my grandma and I talked about it, she got tears in her eyes and said, "What I wouldn't give for him to be a little boy again, just for a little while, so I could hold him in my lap and make it all better." It was such a wistful longing, and you could see that in her mind's eye she was thinking back.

That always stuck with me, and I think about it all the time when I'm doing things with my boys. So, the article has been in my heart for years, I just had to wait for the right timing to get it down on paper. Boys are wonderful creatures, and I am so thankful for mine!!

Some day you will be a grown man with rough skin and whiskers; but for today, I luxuriate in kissing your sweet, smooth, little cheeks.

Some day you will work hard to make a living and support your family; but for today, I am privileged to sit on the floor and stack building blocks with you.

Some day you will run up the stairs, two at a time; but for today, I will hold your chubby little hand while we navigate the steps together.

Some day you will get up every morning, and don a suit and tie for work; but for today, I can let you stay in your jammies so we can snuggle until noon.

Some day people will have respect for the authority in your deep, commanding voice; but for today, I savor the sweetness of a tiny boy earnestly calling out, “Mama!”

Some day women will admire your handsome face and brawny stature; but for today, I am thankful to be the woman that holds you while you are still shiny and new.

Some day you will carry a proper handkerchief in your pocket; but for today I will let out an exaggerated, “Ewwww,” when you choose to eat your boogers.

Some day you will have to face a world that will be hard on you, expect difficult things of you and treat you unfairly; but for today, my lap is your protection from the world.

Some day you will wear cologne and aftershave to enhance your manliness; but for today, I will breathe in the essence of your sweet baby smell.

Some day you will walk with a determined step and even gait; but for today, I relish the sound of your chunky bare feet pattering across the kitchen tile.

Some day you will have to make decisions that will not be easy, and find answers that won’t always be clear; but for today I can guide you and whisper the answers in your ear.

Some day you might go to the bathroom without making a mess; but for today, we will work on your aim by putting Cheerio targets in the potty.

Some day you will be tempted by those who would lead you down a path that you should not go; but for today, I can teach you about Jesus and hide His words in your pure little heart.

Some day you will let out a hearty laugh and the world will laugh with you; but for today, I am the one whose heart smiles in unison with your silly giggles.

Some day your toys will include cars, sports equipment and computers; but for today, we can play pat-a-cake and indulge in your quirky penchant for pushing the vacuum cleaner.

Some day you and your colleagues will dine in fine restaurants, ordering steak and lobster; but for today, we will sit at the kitchen table and share a peanut butter sandwich with extra jelly.

Some day you will sleep in your very own house that might not be close to mine; but for tonight, I can safely tuck you into your crib and rest my hand upon your sweet downy head while we pray.

Some day you will help me in and out of the car, and steady my arm while I reach for my walker; but for today, I am the strong one and I will lift you high into the air and listen to your squeals of delight.

Some day you will call home and I will be thrilled to hear you say that you’ve found “the one;” but for today, I cherish being the most important woman in your life.

Today, I will delight in your snaggle-toothed grin, laugh when you growl at the cat, kiss your skinned-up knees, and trust that you will survive your refusal to eat anything but sausage links, french fries and cheese. For some day, a man will emerge in the place where my precious little boy once stood.


My grandmother Mary Belle holding my dad