I believe that children are a gift from God. Whether you have biological, adopted, or foster children, it doesn’t matter. Each one is a gift that you have been given and you never know for sure how long you will have that precious gift. You hope that your children will live long happy lives and be the ones burying you, but we all know that it doesn’t happen that way all the time.

Children get sick and die; they are killed in accidents; they are murdered. Sometimes they disappear without a trace and a parent is left with a missing child and an unclosed chapter in life.

I have a college friend who is going through a difficult time right now. Her sixteen-year-old son was in a horrible car accident earlier this month and has been in a coma on life support ever since. Yesterday they found out he has extensive brain damage and may not make it. Of course, we are all praying for a miracle but his miracle may be that he is relieved of his suffering and moves on to heaven.

So, if you are a parent or another person who cares for a child, remember to treat your child as the gift he or she is. Never let them leave the house without knowing you love them. Don’t put anything else ahead of them. Work will still be here when your children have grown and left home. Don’t let differing opinions or difficult growth periods affect your relationship to the point you don’t let your child know you love them. Treasure the gift you have been given.