You know that place between sleeping and awake? You're somewhat cognizant of the world around you, yet the sweet dreams that lulled you through the night have not released their grasp of your brain functions. That's where I was yesterday morning, laying in my bed before the first beep of the alarm sounded when I sensed a small, warm body snuggle up behind me. I felt the bony arms wrap around me and I could smell the sweet, yet salty perspiration that children develop from a hard night's sleep.
I knew without opening my eyes that it was my Miá, my younger child who has not yet reached an age of self-awareness yet exudes self-confidence and displays affection openly without fear of approval or perception. My baby who, with innocence and naivete, calls things as she sees them and doesn't hesitate to say whatever is on her mind. My child who with adoration in her heart wants me to be the last person she sees before going to bed and the first person to greet her in the morning.
Miá crawled up behind me and got close enough to whisper in my ear with her small, melodious voice, "Mommy.... I love you."
I turned over in my bed to find her smiling face beaming at me. She giggled with delight and I couldn't help but laugh in return.
Worth more than any amount of money or reward, it's moments like these that I know I will cherish for a lifetime.
