the blessings are many

The Girl wakes up in the middle of the night. Deep rattling coughs shake her little body. I go in when I hear her whimpering and prop her up on pillows, smooth back white tangles from hot forehead, kiss her cheek. “I had a bad dream, ” she says. She grabs my arm and cuddles against it. “I want you to stay with me mom.” she murmurs. So I sit in the dark holding her, stroking her hair, and looking at the stars through the window. I’m filled with gratitude that I get to be the one who holds her when she wakes in the middle of the night. I feel like I could stay here forever, just holding her as she sleeps.

The day after I started thinking it would be fun to make ice cream for the Boy’s birthday party, if we could afford to buy supplies (got paid) my neighbor brought over almost 20 cans of evaporated milk that she found at the back of her cup board while moving. Enough for plenty of ice cream. Which is good because we still haven’t seen that check.

I sold a sling, which paid for a few other things this week.

Our neighbor made cup cakes and brought them over to share.

Another neighbor called and asked if she could bring snacks and juice.

The Boy loves his costume. “Do you know what this means mommy?” he asked as he wore it around for the first time. “It means I’m lucky,” he whispered.

Yesterday I found the Girl struggling with a gift bag. “Can you get some tissue paper mom? I’m trying to give the Boy a present.” Feeling a bit of a pang because I completely overlooked this part of the birthday celebrations, helping her give him something, I asked, “What are you giving him.”
I’m giving him Black Beauty she said, showing me one of her favorite stuffed horses. “I think ginger is my favorite now, so he can have this one.”

When he open the package he thanked her excitedly. I have generous children who are quick to experience and express gratitude. I’m thankful for them.