Bedtime Blues

I'd had a pretty hectic day with my three-year-old.  When bedtime finally came, I laid down the law:  "We're getting on your p.j.s, brushing your teeth, and reading ONE book.  Then it's lights out!"

Her arms went around my neck in a gentle embrace, and I heard her say, "We learned in Sunday school about little boys and girls who don't have moms and dads."

Even after I'd been such a grouch, I thought, she was grateful to have me.  I felt tears begin to well up in my eyes, and then she whispered, "Maybe you could go be THEIR mom."