Friends

Willow's not feeling too good today.  She has a virus that's morphed into a nasty, croupy cough at night.  This evening we've had to open all the windows in the bedroom to create as fresh and cool of an environment for her as possible. The doctor has prescribed some steroids for her, which we've been told will kick in sometime this evening.  In the meantime, it's hard to watch these little helpless ones struggle through illnesses, especially when they cannot comprehend.  

Poppy continues to say the darnedest things, and today was no exception.  After putting the girls' pajamas on before nighty-night, I sat down on the bed to string a few toy placards with holes that outline bugs like dragonflies, grasshoppers and so on. I was impressed with Poppy's manual dexterity, and even found myself enjoying the stringing exercise. (So much for the box that states "For Ages 3 to 5".) As usual, during these peaceful moments, Poppy's contemplative mind comes alive and she says to me with the sweetest little voice, "I'm so glad I have a friend."  I asked, "What friend are you talking about, Sweetheart?"  She said, "Willow."  

Gonna hit the hay and lie next to my girls. As my head rests on my pillow, I'll pray for Austin who has a grueling set of finals next week, and for Annie who leaves for her summer at Mount Hermon on Sunday.  (Boo hoo!)  

Tom