I see them everywhere ...

I put their straw cups and name mugs away
as I emptied the dishwasher this morning
On the countertop, there is Kool-aid and unopened drink boxes

In the family room,
I hear the train clock announcing the next arrival
but no one is listening
We’ve pushed the train table back against the wall
Thomas, Percy, Molly, Donald and Harold have been quiet all day.
The toys and books on the shelf have not been straightened …

I sliced up watermelon for dinner last night
they like theirs cut up in little chunks, no seeds please
lots of strawberries and especially purple grapes
remnants of pop tarts remain underneath the dining room table
and crayons, markers and colored pages still adorn the high chair ...

I listened again to our lullaby CD
such tender songs, so soft and precious
as I got the tumbled-up blankets in the spare room ready for laundry ...

Outside, I did some weeding this morning
right next to Emma’s unfinished giant turtle drawing
and the sidewalk chalk
my tools are near the children’s rakes inside the garage
tire tracks of toy trucks are in the driveway sand
an empty bottle of bubbles is outside on the back deck

Our step stool and potty seat are still in the corner of the bathroom
but no Matthew to stand or sit upon …
and three extra toothbrushes are in the holder by the sink
towels, still disheveled hang, but no little hands will use them today.

Three pair of flip flops, all in a row
on the rug in the front hallway
forgotten in all the packing …
I’ll mail them with Emma’s birthday box next week.
Perhaps in a few days the color will return to life
but for now, my heart is rather sad and a little bit bleak.

Kind Father, watch over my little ones
give them hearts to know You
as their Shepherd and Savior, Lord over everything they are
and comfort me today ...