Today I lay down on the couch. Mid-afternoon. A rare occurrence in my life. I'm so tired. I snuggle under my comforter, pulling it over my head. Dark. My mind screams, "SLEEP!" Just for a few minutes. Maybe I can catch my breath before jumping into the minutia of life again. My eyes close. I hear footsteps tottering my way. Hands try to tug the comforter from my head as I try harder to keep my head covered. "Are you there? Where are you? Where'd you go?" I answer, "Mom, I'm just trying to sleep, just for a few minutes." She sits down on the footstool by the couch and pats my shoulder. Softly come the words, "I love you. I just love you. I just love you so much. I've always loved you." I'm awake.
