I Love You, Mommy

Written by Rowonna McNeely – A few nights ago, I was lying beside Kiera in her bed. I had given her a few more minutes to watch a movie on her iPad before bedtime. As the movie concluded, I said softly, “Ok, honey. It’s time to go to sleep.”

I waited through the usual groans and sighs before asking her if she wanted to say the prayer or if she wanted me to say it. “I will.” She stated.

She quietly said her prayer. “Dear God. Thank you for everyone in our whole town and our whole world. Please keep them all safe and we love you. Jesus name, Amen.”

I handed her favorite lovey over and she rolled over on to her tummy. I reached over to pat her back. As I started to pat, my mind began to wander back to a few years ago when I patted a much smaller back.

I remember how I would tuck her up close to my body, and then I would rock back and forth while patting her to help her sleep. She would eventually fall asleep and I would wait before moving my arm for fear of waking her.

I thought about the times that Aaron and I would both lie down beside her to help her sleep. I can only imagine what we looked like as we would tag team to get her to close her eyes and fall into a sound sleep. One of us would pat her, while the other would take a break and sing with the music. Then we would switch. During those times, we actually worked out hand signals that would put a baseball coach to shame.

We had a signal for when her eyes were open, when her eyes were drifting closed and when she was asleep. Once her eyes finally closed, we would patiently lay there until we thought one of us could sneak away. After a few more minutes, if the first parent was successful, it was time for the other one to sneak away.

As I lay beside her reminiscing over years past, she rolled to her side to face me and lifted her head.

“What’s wrong, baby?” I asked quietly.

“Nothing.” She replied sleepily. “I just want you to hold me.”

She laid her head on my arm and curled into me, wrapping her arm across my stomach. I pulled her close and closed my eyes.

As I held her, I felt her little body began to relax as she started to drift to sleep. “Mommy?” She mumbled.

Opening my eyes, I peered at the top of her head in the darkness. “Yes, baby?” I replied.

“I love you.” She said as she tucked her head down and fell asleep.

Today is Valentine’s Day. It’s all about love. Some people call it the Hallmark Holiday. Me? I just call it another special day. It’s another day to make great memories with the ones I love. It’s another day to remember special memories with those that have gone on to a better place.

I hope each and every one of you has a special day. Aaron is taking Kiera and I out on a date tonight. Kiera has requested a pizza place… we will see.

Kiera also wanted to invite everyone that reads our column over for a Valentine’s party. She wanted to send out invites and packages and make sure everyone took a balloon home. As much as I appreciate each and every one of you, sadly, we are not having a party. It’s a school night. But, it’s the thought that counts… right?

Have a Happy Valentine’s Day!

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