Sleepover

We just survived another of my son's sleepover parties. Four friendly, energetic, goofy, Yu-gi-Oh -crazy boys in the same household for 17 hours. The house is still standing, but the dog has been trying all day to catch up on her sleep!

Actually, it's a pleasure to have kids over and to do something as simple as providing a place for them to stay up, have a pillow fight, watch movies, trade cards, joke about bodily functions, and then collapse into sleep. Then the party continues starting at 6:00 the following morning with cartoon watching, pancake snarfing, and finally the trip home.

I try never to let myself forget how lucky I am to have a healthy, happy, child and live in a country where we're safe and have enough food to eat and a roof over our heads. Things can get rough; as grownups we need to deal with layoffs, bills, work, being time-starved. Kids can have their share of troubles too, whether it's dealing with bullies, keeping up with a tough subject at school, or having lots of food allergies, so you can't eat the things your friends like to eat.

Whenever Luke feels bummed about not being able to have that cup of hot cocoa or slice of cake, I tell him I understand, and I really do. I wish I could take his allergies away. But even so, we can't ever forget how lucky we are. There are parents out there with kids who are extremely sick or worse, who have lost them. There are kids sitting in hospitals right now, fighting for their life. My friend works at a children's hospital and tells some heart-wrenching stories.

When I remember that, I am thankful all over again for the child I have. It's not easy being a kid who can't have milk, wheat, eggs, soy, nuts, yeast, sugar, and artificial colors. And it's not easy cooking for one, either. But he's healthy, he's smart, he's happy, he's well-adjusted, and he's my son, and so I am the luckiest parent alive.

Take a moment and be thankful for all that you have!