Sunday, July 27, 2008

Sleeping

Parents will understand this. You know that perfect peace that you feel when you watch your children sleeping? It's a feeling that doesn't disappear as they grow older, and, I admit that I still cry when I think about the Munsch children's story Love You Forever. He captured that slice of joy in his simple tale. This morning I stood at Maura's doorway, studying her even breathing. She was splayed out, stomach to the mattress, arms and legs akimbo. How wonderful that she can, for a few days, sleep in her favorite position, without having to worry about tubes or chemo pump. And there I found myself softly singing the Munsch verse: I'll love you forever/I'll like you for always/As long as I'm living/My baby you'll be.

5 comments:

Jim Coffey said...

We love that book, and I often quote it to my kids. Thanks for taking the time to share.
p.s. If you'll post the recipe for Maura's famous vegetarian chili we can all make a pot and eat it in Maura's honor.

Barb Carson said...

...tears...

I gave that book to my mother for mother's day a few years back. Such a wonderful story with a touching message!

I'm glad Maura is finally comfortable...even if it is for a short time.

Anonymous said...

Erin
I definitely understand the feeling of perfect peace watching your child sleep. In fact I'll go further and say it gives you a sense of being complete being a whole person.
I also love the book. I also read it to my children and gave it to my mother. My mom cries every time she reads it and I think in a few years she will read it to her greatgrandkids.
I am glad Maura is able to rest for a few days. We keep praying for you.

Federico

Unknown said...

Yes, the peacefulness of sleep. I am sure that many of us are smiling that knowing parental smile as we read your description of Maura's slumber. Hurrah that she is resting well after her favorite chili dish. Healing time...

Thank you for journaling...

Lydia DeSouza said...

geez, Mom, you made me cry.