I’ve heard it said that when you have kids, it’s like taking your heart and letting it reside on the outside of your body. Truer words were never spoken. I fully understood that sentiment when Nick was born, and ever since, and again with Madeline. Oh Madeline.
A few weeks ago, she was lying in my bed, snuggled up all warm and cozy next to me, letting me watch an episode of Olivia with her, one of her favorites, before bed.
“I miss you.”
But Madeline, I’m right here.
“No, I miss you when you’re gone,” she said.
Like when?
“When you go to work or I go to Daddy’s.”
My heart instantly broke into a thousand little pieces. She has this incredibly soft side of her that comes out here and there, a sharp juxtaposition to her Ramona Quimby ways. And it melts me. Every time.
But honey, I always come back. And look… see this necklace I wear? It has your name on it, and your brother’s, and the day that you were born. Your birthday. You’re always close to me.
She leaned in and gave me a kiss.
…