Hand-Me-Downs?

When someone asks if you'll take hand-me-downs
(Because they will)
Know that they aren't offering you mere rags.
They are handing over hours of washing,
Folding,
Smelling Dreft-scented baby socks
Picturing each precious outfit
And the one that will fill it.

They are handing down three
Outfit changes a day because
Diapers don't always do their jobs
And little bellies can't hold much milk.

They are passing along countless hours of
Sorting out for new sizes and
Different seasons.
Pennies scraped, coupons used,
Sales found.

They are gifting you with hours of
Spray and Wash
On pants that clothe crawling knees
(Which always find more dirt than the
Vacuum cleaner) that turn into
Walking feet, and then running,
Dancing, skipping, jumping, and a whole
Lot of new, different stains.

It's a gift for you, but also
An admission to themselves that their babies
Are no longer babies and that
Sometimes seasons end quicker than
We thought they would.

Every thread, rip,
Stain, stitch, press is a seed in the ground-
A prayer for the days to come and
A glimpse of the memories made. They
Pass along that seed to you now,
Their harvest far from complete.
They plant bigger, better
Things to come.

When someone asks if you'll take hand-me-downs
(Because they will),
Say "It would be an honor."
Because it is.