Holding Hands

I think like most people I am often doing one thing and thinking about a million other things at the same time. There are times when I snap out of this bad habit and become much more "present" and can just focus on what I am doing at that moment. One thing that seems to do the trick most often is when I get to hold Claudia's or Wilson's hand.

It is one of my most favorite things, especially on a cool, crisp morning when I am walking Claudia in to school. We have a rule that she must hold hands in parking lots, for obvious reasons. I particularly enjoy when I don't have to remind her of our rule and she just reaches up and takes my hand--the air is cool and her hand is always so warm. I gently squeeze her hand in mine, my fingers wrap perfectly around her little palm. When this happens I find myself thinking, "remember this, remember this feeling."

Another time that I cherish is when Wilson is nursing and he reaches up and grabs my finger and holds it tightly in his tiny, little hand. He normally only does this when he is tired and getting nestled in for a long sleep. His eyes are closed and he looks so content. I listen to his breath and it is like a little lullaby for me.

I don't know when I will abolish the hand holding rule, but I hope that I can enforce it for a number of more years. I know that I need a reminder to slow down and enjoy, or really savor my kids.

If you have read this far, I thank you for indulging my sentimentality. (Maybe I have a future in Hallmark Greeting cards?)