Who you are is not defined by those great deeds you have had the good fortune to experience, but by those small firmly planted steps with which you walk your everyday life.

To my children

As the old man lay dying, his children came to him and said "Father, tell us of the wisdom you have gained in this life, that we might walk in your footsteps, feel the joy you have walked in and let your awareness edify our existence." And He Smiled...

"As you walk thru your life pay close attention to where your focus lies. The things that have happened cannot be undone, only corrected; so amend what you can and look only at the happiness you have experinced and shared. Let the rest fall away."

"In the distance ahead some things can be prevented and some prepared for. If too much time is spent on this view, what is happening around you will pass away unnotice."

"Where you stand now is your only reality. If you don't take the time to savor the blessed experiences God has bestowed upon you now, when you look back tomorrow there will be no sweet joy to draw on. Your children call you now, tomorrow they will be grown. The flowers in your garden bloom today, tomorrow they will be mulch; if they are not enjoyed today your chance, if not taken, will rot in the ground with every withered blossom."

"Stand where you are, feel what is here now, take time to create a yesterday that will bless you and only give you reason for gratitude. If you don't have to correct or amend, you have more time to smile and love."

The gentle man closed his eyes, took one last breath and left them in peace. His children cried but the tears were no hot tears of regret, they were tears of joy because this man took the time to love and accept each of his children as the beautiful blossoms they were.

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Innocent play.

Sand cushioning your feet.

Embraced by the sun and love of family.

You fly, with the wind in your hair, as you're propelled into the air...only to be pulled back to earth to start again.

In one brave moment you jump on the upswing, first into the clouds, then to the safety of mother earth.

With one deep breath you run; run to your next adventure.

Your only thought is of what's right in front of you.

My child this time in your life is so easy and all too brief.

Accept these warm hugs and high adventures life offers you. Feel and enjoy these times to the fullest because although there will be bigger parts for you to play, none will be so real and warm as the one you play now in innocence and belief.