Joy

Minute-long hugs, laps filled with sleepy cuddles,

Backyards magically transformed with just-blown bubbles

Reading our favorite books with unbridled glee,

First me to you, now you to me

Children’s songs ceaselessly running through my head,

My four little monkeys jumping on the bed

Spontaneous dance parties with some sick new moves

Can we stay a while longer? Do you have to go so soon?

Countless slumber parties, watching movies in bed in jammies

Calling before sleep to say good night to Daddy and Mommy

A cupboard filled with Pirate’s Booty and Kraft creamy mac and cheese,

PB&J always on hand, chicken nuggets in the deep freeze

Bike rides at the Jersey Shore to our playground by the bay,

Sun-kissed naps under the beach umbrella after riding waves all day

Sweet kisses innocently shared just because or to cure a scraped knee

Never before did I comprehend a love could run this deep

The unsolicited, “I love you, Deebs”

My family – my life, my joy, my peace