Saturday, September 1, 2007

Time in the NICU

I'm just arriving home after a few hours of blissful time spent with my youngest daughter. Tonight was our "first date," just Jadyn and Daddy. I think we hit it off well, and I'm pretty sure we are compatible. ;-) Jadyn is doing well, loves to be held, and I'm anxious to bring her home to be with the rest of our family.

As I sit tonight, I'm reminded once again that the important things in life are found in the places we most often neglect when life gets hectic. I'm reminded today that our twins are turning three years old this month when only yesterday they were in bassinets like the one Jadyn sleeps in tonight. I'm reminded that our "bigs" are 18 and 21 this month, and it seems like only yesterday we were traveling to hockey tournaments in blizzards and driving hours to see dance lines compete. I'm glad to have enjoyed all that, and yet wish I had enjoyed it more.

It just goes to prove once again that, in the final moments of our lives, nobody is ever going to say "I wish I had spent a few more hours in the office." I can tell you right now that I will wish I had spent a few more hours on the rink, or dancing, or finger painting, or just sitting in the NICU holding my newest daughter. I know that I'll wish I had spent just a few more minutes holding my beautiful wife instead of rushing off to slay dragons and keep the city safe.

I'm off to hold my beautiful wife, and to thank God for her: the most beautiful woman I have ever laid eyes upon, my lover, my song and my best friend, the most loving and nurturing mother ever, and the one I plan to spend the rest of my life with. Even were we blessed with 70+ more years together, I know I'll always wish I had held her just a little longer...

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