My husband is visiting his family in Mozambique after a long four years away. I haven’t been at my job long enough to take time off and Carlos is in a new school this year so we decided it was best for Orlando to go alone. He is actually really busy tending to family business, renewing his passport and beginning the starting phase of building us a small house in his hometown. We are hoping to return this year for the holidays.

This morning began at 5am when my son and his friend woke up downstairs. Sleepovers are the best! I was grateful that they actually fell asleep around 10:15 last night after Laser Tag, Glow Golf, dinner, frozen yogurt, Jurassic Park, popcorn, light saber battles and Lego Star Wars on the Wii! The boys played all morning, built forts, more light saber battles, went outside, came inside… They were so busy I actually finished up some leftover work from yesterday.

I rarely talk about work, but this is worth sharing. Yesterday I called a patient to arrange a home visit for Monday. He was recently discharged from the hospital and we are supposed to visit within 72 hours after discharge. I was concerned about his well being at home so I really needed to arrange a visit soon. Anyway when I asked about Monday the patient said no absolutely not. Then he started lecturing me about the impending storm. He said I should not be on the road on Monday. I told him I would drive slowly, but I really needed to see him. So he said, “how about now?” I dropped everything and off I went. I had just enough time to sneak in the visit before picking up Carlos from school. Well when I arrived the patient summoned me to the living room in front of the TV and he made me watch the weather channel for 10 minutes to prove there really was a storm coming. It was very sweet of him to think about my safety.

Anyway back to today. After lunch we met my son’s friend’s mom and brother so the kids could go sledding. It was 12 degrees out and the snow had already started. I can’t get over how the kids do not seem at all bothered by the cold. My hands and feet felt numb within minutes of being out there.

When we got home I had to start Orlando’s car so I handed Carlos the keys to go in the house. He came running back out with half of the key in his hand. Uh oh! Thankfully I had a key to the back door. It took me a little while, but thanks to Google, cooking spray and tweezers I did not need to call a locksmith. Carlos was a little worked up about the key incident, not thrilled that he had to clean up the living room forts he made with his friend and he’s been really sad because a close friend at school is transferring schools after school vacation this week. He hasn’t take a nap in years, but when he finished cleaning he burst into tears. I hugged him and we sat on the sofa. He kind of just melted into my arms and I before I knew it he was sound asleep.

I looked down at his long eyelashes and soft cheeks still red from the cold. It’s been a very long time since Carlos fell asleep with his head resting on my chest. I always cherished those moments, but now they are more precious than ever. He is growing up so quickly, too quickly. I know I’m just a hop, skip and a jump away from a pre-teen. I sat there soaking up the closeness, listening to the soft breathing and eventually I dozed off myself. It was so nice to be present in the moment, no phone, no computer or iPad, no distractions. My darn leg fell asleep and I had to stand up otherwise I would have stayed there until Carlos woke up. Luckily Orlando called and we chatted for a bit. It was wonderful to hear his voice.

Carlos woke up a short time after Orlando called. He seemed like he was still dreaming. He went to the bathroom, came back downstairs and curled up with me on the sofa. Within minutes he was sleeping again. This child fills my heart with so much love it honestly feels as though it might explode sometimes.

Carlos finally woke up, but he was in no hurry to move off the sofa. We chatted for a little while and then he suggested watching Star Wars Episode 2. We are working our way through all 6. I really love that Yoda!

After the movie Carlos took a bath and got ready for bed. We read together before I kissed him goodnight. Carlos wouldn’t leave my side all night. It was very sweet. He kept saying that it was the best Valentine’s Day. I couldn’t agree more.