The kids always want to hear "the plans" at bedtime. This means, in addition to stalling on sleep, hearing all that will happen in their lives in the next few days.
Tonight, I was explaining things to John. "Tomorrow night, Grandpa Tom will come stay with us. In the morning, Mom and Dad will leave very early, before you are awake, so Grandpa will be your babysitter all day until we get back."
"Where are you going?"
"We are going to visit our friend who is very sad."
"Why is she sad?"
"Because her husband died."
"And can I go?"
"No, it is a very long ride in the car. You stay with Grandpa and we will see you when we get back."
"I would wipe her tears away," John said plaintively. Only a 3-year-old's offer could be so poignantly pure.
"Mommy, are you sad?"
"Yes, honey, I am very sad, too."
"Will you hug her?"
'Yes, I promise."
