the natural order of things

I am having an emotional day. I am thinking about how I would never survive the tragedy of losing a child as Steven's cousin did on Sunday. A beautiful, vibrant and wonderful girl lost her life far to soon and I can't stop thinking about my children. I want to clothe them in bubble wrap and never let them leave the house; protect them from the dangers that lurk outside my care. This, of course, is not possible. We have to learn to love and let go, allowing our children grow and become who they are intended to be. Yet, I love my children so fiercely, from the depths of my core, that I cannot fathom experiencing what far too many parents have faced, my grandmother and aunt included. I would imagine you find strength that you didn't know existed, yet never fully recover.

If I have only one wish in this lifetime it shall be that my life follows the natural order of things. The natural order of my children outgrowing me by years and years. The natural order that I can experience becoming a grandparent while watching the same love I have for my children pass to their own. The natural order of living a life full of wonder and beautiful memories while gracefully aging as intended by nature. If only one wish...