January 18, 2008

Let Us Give Thanks

When Dawson and I were sick last week, I spent many hours holding him next to me as we sprawled on the couch and watched way too many episodes of Spongebob, Dora and Diego. And The Backyardigans. We can’t forget them. If the military ever captures Osama Bin Laden alive and wants to torture him, I suggest forcing him to watch Pablo, Uniqua, Tasha, Austin and Tyrone dance in circles and listen to them sing the same songs over and over again.

“I’m Queen Tasha and I rule the whole backyard….”

But even though we were suffering from many coughing fits, fevers and body aches, it was nice to be able to take care of my little boy. When Dawson is healthy he is too busy playing with the millions of toys he’s accumulated in his short life, or he’s running through the house chasing after Murphy, or he’s demanding more juice and “chocolate cookies” (Oreos).

It’s a rare occasion that we get to cuddle and watch t.v.

So, last Wednesday, as we were enthralled by Pablo’s musical skills, I kissed Dawson on the forehead and said, “I love you, Little Bug.”

He looked up at me and replied, “Thank you, God, for giving me my precious Mommy.”

The tears began welling up in my eyes. We had been practicing our prayers a few months ago and I was teaching Dawson to give thanks to God for something he loved. I never expected him to say his thanks for me. This is a moment I will never forget as long as I live. I still start to cry when I think about it.

Thank you, God, for giving me my precious Dawson.