For I hope that I will always choose to not let the chance pass me by. 

• I hope that someday when I have the choice, I will choose to kiss your spaghetti-covered face instead of waiting until it is washed. 
• I hope that someday when I have the choice, I will choose to hold your hand instead of the camera. 
• I hope that someday when I have the choice, I will choose to rock you to sleep instead of sending you back to bed alone. 
• I hope that someday when I have the choice, I will choose to play dress-up with you instead of working on my ‘To-Do List’. 
• I hope that someday when I have the choice, I will choose to treasure the moment instead of wishing for better timing. 
• I hope that someday when I have the choice, I will choose to smile at your painting instead of frowning at the stain on your shirt . 
• I hope that someday when I have the choice, I will choose to read your favorite book for the 100th time instead of insisting we pick out a different one. 
• I hope that someday when I have the choice, I will choose to give you ‘now’ instead of promising ‘later’. 
• I hope that someday when I have the choice, I will choose to be your best friend instead of just being ‘the mom’. 
• I hope that someday when I have the choice, I will choose to listen to you instead of talking myself. 
• I hope that someday when I have the choice, I will choose to say “I love you” instead of giving unneeded lectures. 
• I hope that someday when I have the choice, I will choose to help you face obstacles instead of allowing you to be daunted by them. 
• I hope that someday when I have the choice, I will choose to build unshakable bridges between us instead of impregnable walls. 
• I hope that someday when I have the choice, I will choose to tell you “I’m glad I chose you.” instead of leaving you to wonder. 

— Julia H.

Thank you for letting me post this piece on my blog, Julia! Thank you for writing it, for sharing something that is obviously close to your heart with all of us. It’s truly beautiful. That is exactly the Mom I hope & pray to be some day, too. Keep looking up, girl!