Precious moments with our children do not discriminate. They come at the most unusual of times, even when you think there isn’t anything good that can possibly come from your current situation. One would ever think that a time of illness and a bit of worry could create a moment that, in the few fleeting minutes, could put a smile on your face, tears in your eyes and warmth and comfort in your heart.

I certainly never expected to find that in a 3 A.M. wake call with Abby burning up and that look in her eye that says it all… “Mommy, I feel miserable. Make it better.” Shaun and I did what we as parents have been taught and told to do to ease her discomfort and try to bring her fever down. After a bit of time we find ourselves out in the living room, Shaun and Abby laying on a blanket on the floor and me on the couch. We looked like a family determined to bring some peace and comfort to our sick little girl, but as I layed there I saw so much more then that. I saw our family, so busy with life and all that it throws our way, stopping for a moment to truly be with one another and support each other. Abby curled up in her daddy’s arms, dozing in and out of sleep, finding comfort with her parents. I was worried for her, as any parent is for a sick child, but I found peace in the moment that was unfolding before me. We were together and did what we could to relax until Abby was once again sound asleep. It was a moment that you certainly don’t plan for and definitely cannot see coming, but you wouldn’t trade it in for the world.

“The happiest moments of my life have been the few which I have passed at home in the bosom of my family”
Thomas Jefferson