Lucky

In our town, just 15 miles outside of New York City, there are many wives who are essentially raising their children alone. Their husbands wake early and return home after the children are in bed. Many of the husbands travel for work more than they are at home. Rob's job as a financial planner allows him unusual flexibility. While he does work at odd times, he is almost always home before the girls go to bed and he is often home for dinner. Rob has also not travled for work since the summer.

A good friend of ours from Richmond lost their mom suddenly at the end of last week. Rob left this morning to drive to Richmond for the memorial service. It is often when he is gone, that we realize how lucky we are to have him around as much as we do. Caroline cried for a long time after he left. I called and begged my mother in law to have us over for dinner. And then, at bed time tonight Katherine made the comment that summed it all up...

Every night, I read Katherine three books before bed and after we snuggle for a bit, we call Rob and Caroline in to say goodnight. This is a very well established ritual. Tonight she continued to snuggle after Caroline came in for her goodnight hug and kiss. Katherine finally looked up at me and said, "Will Daddy be home if we snuggle for long enough?" It was so cute I could have snuggled until tomorrow afternoon when Rob will indeed be home.