These Are the Moments

Matthew's father came this weekend for a visit. Basically, the three parents collectively decided that I'd stay away as much as possible. If you look up the definition of a mama's boy, The Little Buddy's picture stares back at you. We knew that his father would get a much higher quality visit if I wasn't around. So Troy, Matthew and his father cruised around for the better part of yesterday and today. That has allowed The Rock Star and me some quality time of our own.

Tonight I finished reading him The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. When we were just a few pages from the end, Troy and Matthew came home. Garrett was all ready for bed and snuggled in next to me under the covers in my room. Troy got Matthew ready for bed and sent him toddling in. He climbed up. Cuddling into the tiny space between his brother and me, he listened as I finished the book. Garrett got up and turned out the light.

Matthew was quiet. And so snuggly. He kept grabbing my hand and putting it on his head. Then he would grab his brother's hand and kiss it. I could just make out both of their precious faces as we all laid silently together. From some deep recess of my mind, I began to sing...

Lying here with you
Listening to the rain
Smiling just to see
A smile upon your face

These are the moments
I thank God that I'm alive
These are the moments
I'll remember all my life
I've found all I've waited for
And I could not ask for more

I could not ask for more than this time together
I could not ask for more than this time with you
Every prayer has been answered
Every dream has come true
Yeah, right here in this moment
Is right where I'm meant to be
Here with you, here with me

They listened. Then The Rock Star said quietly, "I love you, Matthew." And then The Little Buddy grinned at his big brother and my heart turned into a puddle of melted love on the spot. "You're the best mom," he added. "And Matthew is the best brother. And daddy is the best daddy." Oh be still my puddle of melted love.

We stayed like that, all cuddled into one another, no one quite sure whose hand was holding her finger or whose pajamas he was feeling with his toe. Of course, boys will be boys and neither of mine can stay still for very long. The Rock Star started to tickle his brother who, in turn, laughed hysterically. I let it go on for several minutes, convinced that there is nothing in the world as heartwarming as brothers giggling together. Then I looked at the clock and realized it was time to end my perfect moment.

But it was one of those times that I'm sure will be etched in my memory forever. Two brothers, missing each other from two days apart. And mom, holding both of them in her arms, because they're still small enough to fit--for now.