My kids and I grabbed a few new books on our trip to the library last week. We usually don’t read them before we bring them home, we just pick a few things and hope for the best.
We sat down to read one (number three below) and a lump quickly started forming in my throat. I choked back the tears for as long as I could, almost making it all the way to the end before I lost it. I started crying and shut the book. “I’m sorry,” I said. “I can’t finish it.”
The thing is, I don’t think it was just me. I don’t think that this children’s book made me cry because perhaps I’m overly emotional. I would challenge any mama to make it through that book without at least one tiny tear. That’s not the only book either, there are more. Many more. Which book always makes you emotional?
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Love You Forever
This one has made every mother cry since it was published in 1995. I remember my mom reading this to my younger brother and now I read it to my kids. I’m sure you’ve read this before, but if perhaps you haven’t, this is a must have. It’s especially sweet for moms with boys.
“As long as I’m living, my baby you’ll be.”
The Giving Tree
As parents, we would give our kids everything we have until there was nothing left.
“… and she loved a boy very, very much– even more than she loved herself.”
Let Me Hold You Longer
This is now known as “The Book That Makes Mom Cry” at our house. The first time I sat down to read it I couldn’t make it through. I had to stop and try again a few days later and I still have a hard time making it to the end. This one is a tear-jerker if there ever was one.
“But one day you will move away and leave me to your past.”
Someday
Here is another super sad book that reminds you that your children are growing and one day they will leave you. Our children growing is bittersweet because of course that’s something we hope for, but it’s also our greatest fear. This one cuts deep.
“Someday you will look back on this house and wonder how something that feels so big can look so small.”
If I Could Keep You Little
Marianne Richmond is brilliant and I love all of her books so much. But this is the only one that has ever brought me to tears. I love that this book reminds you of why you DON’T want to keep them little, because you would miss out on so much!
“If I could keep you little, I’d kiss your cuts and scrapes. But then I’d miss you learning from your own mistakes.”
You Are My Heart
Another Marianne Richmond book that I adore. They are all so touching and sweet, especially this one.
“What I couldn’t have known was all that you’d be by you being you and giving to me.”
I Wish You More
This book sweetly talks about the wishes we have for your children and how much we dream for them.
“I wish you more ups than downs.”
Oh My Baby, Little One
The love we share always keeps us connected, even when we’re apart.
“…the hardest thing I do is hold you tight, then let you go, and walk away from you.”
How many of these books have made you tear up once or twice?
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Liz is a just a mom trying to keep it real about how little she sleeps, how often she gets puked on and how much she loves them. You can find her here every day writing about real-mom moments.