Keeping her Safe

Why do we love our babies so much?  I mean, it’s not as though they really do much for us.  Anela did not clean up after herself when she spit up on my pillow, my clothes, and herself this morning.  And she did not let me sleep for the night, and probably won’t for a couple of years, or ten.  Or so.  She didn’t compliment me on my cooking skills or offer to give me a massage.  

Instead, she asks for me, well, pretty much all the time.  She melts into me when I pick her up and let me know that, really, all she wants and needs is to be loved.  Well, and some milk and diaper changes.  But when it comes down to it, she lives to be loved right now.  To be carried.  To be caressed and kissed.  To be sung to and touched.  No other job than to be loved.

And loved she is.  Big brother has decided it is his job to protect her.  “I keep her safe,” is his common phrase as she takes a bath, lies on the bed, or just plain is.  And sweet kisses, ever so soft, from her sister help her grow confidently, knowing that she is important just because she is.  

It’s a good reminder, I think.  When life gets just a little too much to handle, which may or may not be right now, perhaps it’s time to give yourself a break and let yourself be loved by the people who are there to do that for you.  Realize that you are loved, you are kept safe, and you are important just because.