I say that “The Journey is The Reward”
And to me, this is not just a saying

I wish I had known this years ago
While my kiddos were laughing and playing

If I’d only known how fast each day
would turn into tomorrow

I would have clung to every laugh
Instead of every sorrow

This book is of our journey
First written in ‘99

And added to eight years later
The old and the new combined

My oldest son was twelve then
He’s been gone now for almost four years

I’m so proud of the man he has become
Yet I miss him so much I’m in tears

My only daughter was seven
She is now a young woman it seems

So strong and independent
Her next birthday’s the big “Sweet Sixteen”

My two year old, my baby
Is eleven - going on eighteen

If you spoke to him for five minutes
You’d know exactly what I mean!

And now I have a new “baby”
Who was a twinkle in my eye

But even he’s not a baby now
My youngest is already five!

“The Journey is The Reward” I say again
So enjoy it while it lasts

Each day is such a treasure
So don’t let one moment pass

Don’t think of this as the ‘hard’ stuff
with the ‘good’ stuff as yet to come

Each day is the ‘stuff’ dreams are made of
Especially when you’re a mom!

I’ve heard it said, “It’s just a phase.
Don’t worry it will pass.”

But now I think, “It’s just a phase
And I sure hope that it lasts!”

Don’t get me wrong I am not sad
Adulthood is the goal!

Responsible and independent
Loving God with all their soul.

This “journey” that I speak of
Is not just your life on this earth

But the journey of a childhood
That begins the moment of birth

So I write about academics
And why they must be taught

And of course about socialization
And what an issue it’s not

But what the words within these pages
Will inspire you I pray

To not miss out on your reward
As you journey through your today