Bedtime

I scrub mercilessly at the dishes that I've waited way too long to clean. I was finally gaining headway on getting the crud off when I hear a small voice.

"Momma?"

I turn and see the little man. His blond hair misshapen and his bear in his arms. He walked closer to me with his arm extended. I rinsed my hands off and dried them. I bent down to pick him up.

"What is it, dear? You know it's bedtime. It's not time to be awake."

He started to cry. But as soon as a tear came out, his little hand was quick to wipe it away. He did not like to cry, especially in front of me. Or anyone else for that matter. Similar to his father.

"Momma, I think there are monsters in my room."

I laughed and messed with his hair.

"Well, we will have to check, won't we?"

He was hesitant.

"What is it, darling?"

"Momma, what if we find them? What will we do?"

So inquisitive, so much preparation. Just like his father.

But he was right; I had no real plan if we did find a monster.

"I guess you and me will have to fight them till they behave. How does that sound?"

He lit up a bit.

"Can I use my sword?"

I laughed once more.

"If not for this, what else? Of course you can use your sword."

He nearly jumped out of my arms. Vigorously he ran to his play room. He was so ambitious. Only his father could rival his passion.

"Let's fight the monsters, Momma!"

We walked slowly to his bed room. It was dark and I could see why he was scared. We gave a count of three and I flipped the lights on. We ran in beating at the closet, the bed, and his stuffed animals. Finally, after about 5 minutes and 3 yawns, I said to him, "I think they will be good. What do you think?"

Sleepily, he nodded.

He crawled back into bed. I walked over and sang to him till he fell asleep. I kissed his forehead and looked at his beautiful face. I walked out and turned out the lights.

It was a short time to play, and short time to see the passion, the questioning, and brave parts of our son. It was sweet and it made me miss you even more.