A reminder of Pablo Neruda

When I came back from church at night, Cookie started crying. I took her out from her cot and gave her some fever medicine as she was feverish for the past 2 days. After the medicine, she pointed to her room and told me she want to go to sleep. I told her to wait for me - for Mummy to clean her teeth and wash face and then get ready to bring Cookie to her room. After i did all that, she crawled onto my bed and stared at the ceiling. I asked her gently if she wanted to go to her own room. She said no. So she snuggled up to me, held my hand with our hands on her chest while I read "Bringing up Boys" by Dr James Dobson.... (hahahaha - should it have been Bringing up Girls?).

I thought she may not be able to sleep as this was the first time I had brought her to bed (and with the reading light on too). But she was shielded from the light with a pillow and soon after fell asleep. WHat a pleasure to be able to hold my daughter's hand and feel her heartbeat while she drifted off to sleep! Reminded me of a poem by Pablo Neruda (he was born in Chile and studied in Santiago in his twenties - so fitting for me since my husband is now in Santiago) ....



I love you without knowing how, or when, or from where.
I love you straightforwardly, without complexities or pride;
so I love you because I know no other way

than this: where I does not exist, nor you,
so close that your hand on my chest is my hand,
so close that your eyes close as I fall asleep.

It is so wonderful to be a mother...! I am indeed blessed.