The Hands of the Clock

by Dmitri Annenkov

 

She walked into the room, pausing at the door, looking at the treasures on the shelf.  The worn teddy bear that her child had carried almost everywhere and cuddled with every night. Remembering how no one got any sleep, if that teddy couldn’t be found. The late night trip back to the supermarket to rescue it when it had accidentally been left behind.  The airplane that flew all over the world when her child was at play. Oh, the many adventures that they had.

There was the toy drum for when her child wanted to strike up the band and lead a parade. Through the house they would march, down the hall and back again. Singing a song, or two or three, and it didn’t matter if it was off key, it was sung loudly with glee! 

Wiping her eyes she let the memories roll down her cheeks. Then she spotted the books on the shelf and they brought a smile. Smiled at the memory of the many nights cuddled under a blanket and reading to her child, until her voice would crack. Remembering the thrill she had watching her child fall in love with books,  becoming so engrossed in them, losing all track of time.

She picked up the books and it was like she could hear her child’s voice. So clear it was, it seemed like it had just been yesterday when she heard the words, ” Mommy, please read me one more chapter. I don’t want to go to bed yet. Turn back the clock.”

“Mommy please, I’m still playing with my plane, just one more hour, turn back the clock.”

She spied the apple on the shelf and once again smiled through her tears as her child’s voice rang once more through her ears,  “Mommy, I’m hungry, I need just one more bedtime snack!”

Oh, the memories of yesterday, where did the time go! When did her children grow?

She wants Peter Pan to come and fly them all to Never-Never land. She wants to turn back the clock!

But as much as she wants to turn back the clock, she is excited too. Excited to see what the future holds. A new chapter is being written, and her heart smiles as she hears the ticking of the clock.

The ticking of more memories to be made and more moments to cherish, strike up the band, there still was a lot of marching left to do!

** As the days continue to draw closer to a “empty nest”  I was trying to think of a song that might fit this post. None came to mind, still a little too sleepy. 🙂  If one comes to yours, feel free to share. 🙂 **