There are many reasons for me to smile today,
but the one that put the biggest smile on my face
is one that was unplanned & unexpected.
I was on the way to my brother’s house with a very chatty
4 year old (hereto referred to as “son”).

After about 4 minutes of chatter, there was silence.
Realizing that my last 3 random conversations were with
a now sleeping boy, I was glad he was finally resting.
After a long hard day of fun & play AND a new bicycle
AND a very exciting Easter egg hunt he was
getting grumpy & really really needed a nap !
So I arrived at my brothers, carried the still zonked
heir of my throne to the door… and it was locked. Ugh.
I hadn’t exactly planned the timing of my visit – my bad :p
Fortunately I had a key, so I went in, took 2 pairs of shoes off
and laid down with my son on the couch.
My intention was to get him settled in so he could nap.
But you know…
I looked at him – this little boy who I could once carry in the
crook of my arm; his little hand was curled just so on my chest.
His lips were in the shape of a smile – the smile brought on
by a deep slumber filled with a peace known only by angels…
and a small sleeping child I could hear his breathing,
interrupted by an occasional snore.

So I laid there for a while – relishing the quiet serenity of the moment.
I felt he could hear my own breathing, along with my heartbeat
– and it made me recall the many naps we’d had
together when he was a baby.
How I miss those times. How I miss him.
He has recently moved away – farther than ever before,
and even though it is only distance, I fear there may be a time
where he and I become out of touch…
I suppose that’s every parents worry, though.
They grow up so fast !
Someday I won’t hear those words “Pick me up, Daddy”…
chuckle…
It’s already changed to “pick me up, Dad”
or just “pick me up” !
So I whisper “Hold my neck”, and he does – and I scoop him up…

I was going to write this originally to share
how much happiness and contentment I felt
with my son sleeping on my chest…
and now I realize that any time I recall moments like these
I am the happiest I have ever been in my Life.
All in all, no matter how much they grow up
they will always be our little Angels.
May we never forget that.

Thank you for yet another priceless moment, son…
I love you.

~Dad