You never ask us to watch them

 You never ask us to watch them.

You always take them with you.

And yes. That’s true.

Because I want them to know they were never a burden.
Not once. Not ever.

I take them with me, not because it’s easier it’s usually not.
But because they deserve to feel included.
To grow up wrapped in the kind of love that says:
“You belong with me.”

They’re not a tagalong to my day.
They are the rhythm of it.
The reason behind the plans.
The reason I say no to certain things and yes to others.

This is how I want them to remember childhood
Not standing on the sidelines,
But held close,
Deep in the center of it all.

Not an afterthought.
Not an inconvenience.
But wanted. Cherished. Chosen. Always.