What would I do if I had to do it over again?
I would laugh more, worry less, lecture only on rare occasions, overlook messes, notice the fingerprints of my Maker in the moments of my days, and cherish those few years when we were all at home, together, celebrating life.
I would stop in the midst of my chores to listen to a boy-joke being shared and I would laugh out loud and tell them they were so much fun.
I would stop unloading the groceries when my husband is talking to me and look deeply into his eyes and listen to what he is saying, communicating with my whole self, "You are such a treasure to me. I want to know what you are thinking and feeling and dreaming."
I would take the moment to tousle a head as I am passing through a room and say, "I am so blessed to have you as my very own child. You make me so happy, just being you."
I would stop what I am doing, to go outside to look at a "treasure" when I hear, "Hey, Mama, come look!"
I would camp more outside on our deck and cuddle up under the sleeping bags more often to marvel at the stars and the one who made them.
I would open my eyes to take a snapshot each day, just as it is — with boy noises, loud discussions, toys being played with intently, piano being practiced, thoughts being shared, messes coming and going.