Hug Your Children

Hug your children just a little longer.
Squeeze them just a little tighter.
Love them just a little stronger.

Why?

Because one day you could be like N.  I've known N most of my life.  She's a part of my family that I'm not related to, they're just family.

N was just a little older than me.  When her little sister and I were in upper elementary, she was in high school and oh so cool.  We wanted to be like N.

N lost her battle with cancer earlier this week.

N has young children.  She won't get to see them on their first day of high school or college.  She won't see them married or their first apartments and homes.  She won't hold her grandchildren.   She won't even see them trick or treat at Halloween or open Christmas presents this year.

So because N cannot hug her children any longer;
Hug your children just a little longer.
Squeeze them just a little tighter.
And love them just a little stronger.