I had an inkling that we would be out of school for yet another day when the fat flakes of snow kept falling all afternoon and continued into the coolness of the evening. Returning home after helping a friend, I managed my way through the deep snow to meet my smiling kids at the door – “Remember you said you would sleep with us all night tonight?”
Each night as I tuck them in, we often read, sing, pray and talk through the upcoming day. Too often, though, I’m preoccupied with thoughts of what else I should be doing after they drift off to sleep. But I’ve broken too many promises. So, even though they didn’t know we had a snow day, I decided to honor my agreement, with a slight modification. “How about we all snuggle in my bed so there’s more room,” I offered. Their giggles and jumps for joy signaled their agreement.
The closet door stood slightly ajar as a makeshift nightlight and I knelt between them, talking and singing. Their soft hands in mine felt simultaneously so big {How have they grown up so quickly?} and unbelievably still so small {They’re still my babies!}
I watched Calder as I sang and we exchanged “I love you” hand squeezes and an adorable smile spread across his face. It wasn’t until he leaned up and kissed my forehead that I remembered him doing the same sweet thing yesterday afternoon as I dozed on the couch. It’ll be only too soon when he’s “too old” for kisses and yet, if this is what I’ll be left with, it’s something I will cherish as his way of letting me know that he still loves of Mom.
Precious moments.
Beauitful sharing.
Oops!
Beauitful!
Oh my goodness! I can’t spell! Or maybe I can’t type!
B-e-a-u-t-i-f-u-l!
A beautiful post. My two oldest children are now 32 and 30, but I still get warm fuzzy feelings when I think about the “special nights” we shared with them piled in bed with me, one on either side, when their dad was gone. We’d read a few books, share a bit of conversation, and drift off to sleep together. Relish the opportunity while they will let you.