I seem to remember that line from a poem I studied as an English major way back when, but it really never resonated with me until I became a mom. The journey of a mom is unending, often resulting in sleeplessness, and at the end of the day, it feels as if you’ve just run a marathon — then, of course, you have to wake up (on 5 hours or less!) and do it again.

But here’s the thing: Along the way, you’re blessed with these tiny moments that sustain you, fulfill you, and train you for the next big race on the horizon. My little man, J.J., is three and a half and there’s no feeling in the world that’s greater than when he grabs my face and plants a “coyote” kiss on me (puckered up lips, the kind you make when howling like a coyote), and follows it up with an “anaconda” hug (that’s when he squeezes me really tight). He likes animals, it’s our thing, don’t ask…

It’s just one of those special secret code things moms have with their kids. It may be a silly song you sing together while brushing teeth, or a special book you read before bedtime — but put those things together, and those are the milestones you’ll remember years from now when your little boy is all grown up. But, thankfully, there are many more miles to go before we get there, and I hope you’ll run alongside me.

For now, time to get some sleep… lots of ground to cover tomorrow.

What silly thing do you do with your kids?