Editor´s note: The following was published in the June 5-11 issue of our sister publication, Crain´s Cleveland Business, of which Mr. Tucker is publisher and editorial director. We think it´s particularly appropriate for owners and managers of independent tire dealerships.
When was the last time you were at a business function when your child was in the school play or on the soccer field?
Most of us probably would answer, "too recently." Owning or managing a business is demanding work that often requires personal sacrifice, especially when you layer on community service.
I thought about that while reading a poem sent to me and my wife from two dear friends.
They are special people: very loving with immense, genuine concern for others. We receive regular cards and e-mails from them that brighten our day. Here is the latest—meant for a mother, but good for any parent—from an unknown author:
To my child:
Just for this morning, I am going to smile when I see your face and laugh when I feel like crying.
Just for this morning, I will let you wake up softly, all rumpled in your sheets and I will hold you until you are ready for the day. Just for this morning I will let you choose what you want to wear, and smile and say how perfect it is.
Just for this morning, I am going to step over the laundry, and pick you up and take you to the park and play.
Just for this morning, I will leave the dishes in the sink and let you teach me how to put that puzzle of yours together. Just for this afternoon, I will unplug the telephone and keep the computer off, and sit with you in the backyard and blow bubbles.
Just for this afternoon, I will not yell once, not even a tiny grumble when you scream and whine for the ice cream truck, and I will buy you one if he comes by.
Just for this afternoon, I won´t worry about what you are going to be when you grow up, or second-guess every decision I have made where you are concerned.
Just for this afternoon, I will let you help me bake cookies, and I won´t stand over you trying to fix them. Just for this afternoon, I will take you to McDonald´s and buy us both a Happy Meal so you can have both toys.
Just for this evening, I will hold you in my arms and tell you a story about how you were born, and how much I love you. Just for this evening, I will let you splash in the tub and not get angry.
Just for this evening, I will let you stay up late while we sit on the porch and count all the stars. Just for this evening, I will snuggle beside you for hours, and miss my favorite TV show.
Just for this evening, when I run my fingers through your hair as you pray, I will simply be grateful that God has given me the greatest gift ever given. I will think about the mothers who are searching for their missing children, the mothers who are visiting their children´s graves instead of their bedrooms, and mothers who are in hospital rooms watching their children suffer senselessly, and screaming inside that they can´t handle it anymore.
And when I kiss you goodnight, I will hold you a little tighter, a little longer. It is then that I will thank God for you, and ask him for nothing, except one more day.