to my hardworking husband: things you don't always see

When the kids are worn out and tired, and they're falling apart, and you finally get to come home after a long day,

sometimes you have to miss their best moments.

Like right now, when Lucy (8) invited little Alayna (3) over to play and is pretty much baby-sitting her.  She is quietly teaching her how to paint and clean the brushes.  She is playing Barbies with her.   She is talking to her oh-so-gently about how very lucky we are to have a house and toys, and how some people don't have those things, so we should be thankful.

And earlier, when Frank was jumping whole hog into my arms off the edge of the deep end at the pool.  And every time shouting, "Do it again!"  And his face lighting up with joy that an adult just can hardly imagine.   

There are so many, many moments like this.   I wish we could bottle them up for you, my dear.

Thank you.