THIS KIND OF LOVE

I can remember when my children were very small, how much I loved to hold them while they slept. I could while away hours watching a tiny angel in my arms, and the feeling seemed to be mutual. I miss the days when my little ones were always reaching for mama to hold them.

My son was born with a full head of perfectly parted hair. He looked like a little televangelist. I loved stroking his little bangs into place as he fell asleep, and when he got older he used to play with his own little brown locks when he would begin to drift off.

I have a Klimt print that hangs above my mantel that so reminds me of my middle daughter. I love the piece, because it so well captures the feeling of contentment, of peace and of joy that is offered in the love of a parent's embrace. I hope it is the feeling offered to guests in my home as well.

I am blessed to be able to witness this kind of love between my daughter and granddaughter these days. This week it was even more evident, as my granddaughter had to spend a night in the hospital. I am so pleased with the measure of grace with which I saw my once little girl patiently caring for her own little one.

Without even a word, we are able to say I love you. My youngest daughter used to delight if I squeezed her hand three times, because it was our code for just those three words. I have never outgrown the need for that kind of touch, as my own parents were very loving with me as well.

May we all keep this kind of love in our lives forever.