As I was saying my gratitude for my kids and a prayer last night, I realized how grateful I am for this present moment, just the way they are.

When I got to Ethan (who is the most challenging right now) it went like this:

Thank you for Ethan, he is such a wonderful and caring boy, though I wish he would be less busy sometimes, and was more manageable. 

I wish I had more energy to manage him but in a few years, it will be easier because he will understand cause and effect better, and he will be more careful.

I look forward to that time. But in a few years he will be different, he may loose some of his sweetness and his spontaneity, and his infectious laugh may be different. In a few years, he will not be 5, in a few years who knows what will happen.

Dear universe, thank you for Ethan - my sweet boy who loves to laugh, and jump, and who gives the best hugs and kisses. Ethan, who is so innocent and who doesn't have a mean thought. Ethan who delights in playing with yarn the way a little kitten would.

Thank you so much for my sweet boy. Please give me the strength and understanding to allow him to be who he is right now and to be present in the moment, and to enjoy it.