I dont remember who said this but there really are places in the heart you dont even know exist until you love a child.

A first child is your own best foot forward and how you do cheer those little feet as they strike out. You examine every turn of flesh for precocity and crow it to the world. But the last one the baby who trails her scent like a flag of surrender through your life when there will be no more coming after--oh that s love by a different name.

Thats the nature of being a parent Sabine has discovered. Youll love your children far more than you ever loved your parents and -- in the recognition that your own children cannot fathom the depth of your love -- you come to understand the tragic unrequited love of your own parents.

You know all that sympathy that you feel for an abused child who suffers without a good mom or dad to love and care for them Well they dont stay children forever. No one magically becomes an adult the day they turn eighteen. Some people grow up sooner many grow up later. Some never really do. But just remember that some people in this world are older versions of those same kids we cry for.

Your kids require you most of all to love them for who they are not to spend your whole time trying to correct them.

The only love that I really believe in is a mothers love for her children.

The soul is healed by being with children.

When God Created MothersWhen the Good Lord was creating mothers He was into His sixth day of overtime when the angel appeared and said. Youre doing a lot of fiddling around on this one. And God said Have you read the specs on this order She has to be completely washable but not plastic. Have 180 moveable parts...all replaceable. Run on black coffee and leftovers. Have a lap that disappears when she stands up. A kiss that can cure anything from a broken leg to a disappointed love affair. And six pairs of hands. The angel shook her head slowly and said. Six pairs of hands.... no way. Its not the hands that are causing me problems God remarked its the three pairs of eyes that mothers have to have. Thats on the standard model asked the angel. God nodded. One pair that sees through closed doors when she asks What are you kids doing in there when she already knows. Another here in the back of her head that sees what she shouldnt but what she has to know and of course the ones here in front that can look at a child when he goofs up and say. I understand and I love you without so much as uttering a word. God said the angel touching his sleeve gently Get some rest tomorrow.... I cant said God Im so close to creating something so close to myself. Already I have one who heals herself when she is sick...can feed a family of six on one pound of hamburger...and can get a nine year old to stand under a shower. The angel circled the model of a mother very slowly. Its too soft she sighed. But tough said God excitedly. You can imagine what this mother can do or endure. Can it think Not only can it think but it can reason and compromise said the Creator. Finally the angel bent over and ran her finger across the cheek. Theres a leak she pronounced. I told You that You were trying to put too much into this model. Its not a leak said the Lord Its a tear. Whats it for Its for joy sadness disappointment pain loneliness and pride. You are a genius said the angel. Somberly God said I didnt put it there.

A DEFINITION NOT FOUNDIN THE DICTIONARYNot leaving an act of trust and loveoften deciphered by children

Im convinced that one of the most powerful forces on earth is the prayer of a child.