Bedtime Prayer

Snuggling in with Riley, I wrap my body around hers. We’re one tight unit. Comfy cozy. Her fingers stroke the top of Chickie’s fur. No sleep without Chickie.

“Your mommy loves you.” I say softly in her ear.

“Your daughter loves you.” she says back.

I laugh.

“Mommy why are you laughing?”

“Because, you tickle me.”

“But mommy, I didn’t tickle you?”

“Sweetie, it’s an expression. It means you make me laugh. You’re funny.”

“Oh.”

We say prayers, talk about the day’s best moments and wrap it up with,

“Thank you God for all these happy thoughts.”

I give her one last squeeze.

“Riley. I’m so proud of you.”

“Why?”

I think for a second. So many reasons.

“Because you are a good person.” I say.

“I am?”

“You are.”

She smiles and wiggles deeper into her blankets.

“Good-night baby.”

“Night mommy.”

Amen.