Sweet Comfort From a Tiny Angel

Yesterday morning the sweetest thing happened.

I had just given Leila a bottle and was patting her back, waiting for a burp. And what did she start doing? She began patting my back with her chubby little hand. So, for a brief moment, as her head rested on my shoulder and my cheek rested on the top of her head, we hugged and patted each other on the back, in silence.

Such a simple little gesture, but so touching to me! Her little pat was comforting and natural and infinitely dear.

It was one of those moments when I realized that this is what it's all about, this is why I'm home making zero dollars (when we could always use more).

This moment between me and Leila has as much meaning as any revelation achieved from hours of "deep" conversation under the stars or over cups of coffee, as during my college years. It is more significant than reading a good book that someone else wrote or even listening to somebody's brilliant observations, whatever they may be.

It's just a simple, loving moment that passes between people. It comes and goes very quickly. An outsider looking in at the scene (as in a movie) wouldn't even notice that something significant had happened.

But there it is... it happens, and suddenly the world is a happier place for those involved. Things make sense. The day takes on a magical quality, a richer texture.

It's the kind of thing that gets spoiled as soon as you try to put it into words. As I write this, I realize that many would find these comments trite and sentimental. Like a Hallmark card. Emotional blather.

So I better quit before I ruin the experience entirely, in my attempt to verbalize it. But it was a happy moment, and I feel compelled to share.