Musical Bed Partners

For the past two weeks I have entertained a new bedfellow. Don't get nervous; don't call Enquirer! It's the littlest man in the house. For those who are still concerned, thinking that this is poor discipline and bad habits and all the rest of it, let me endeavor to explain. Then you can pass judgment as you will.

I have two sons, aged 21 and 8. They share a queen bed together. But two weeks ago the littlest guy was feverish and struggling with lots of pain from ear infections. He was crying out and fussy, understandably so, all night long; I didn't want my college-student son disturbed and losing sleep. Dad was conveniently out of town so the solution was obvious. Into my bed he came, making my care for him simpler as well.

He rounded the corner on his need for 24/7 care days ago. But my biggest boy is now suffering terribly with sore throat pain. It has been going on for 1 1/2 weeks. We suspected strep but that has been ruled out by the medical professionals. They have not yet conclusively determined just what it may be. But this I know - he is in desperate need of relief from this pain. His fever is gone, but the swollen red tonsils continue to plague him, horrifically so. This morning he is finally sleeping a bit, the first solid rest he has had in days. At any rate, putting a fidgety eight year old back in bed with him seemed less than wise. Since we are low on bedspace around here (at least for boys) he continues to be with me. Dad has been relegated to the couch (what a sport!)

So all through the night I am stirred by little feet that push on my legs, 8 yr. old hands that land on my cheeks, and knees poking my back. Finally he snuggles up close in his perfectly curled, ready for sleep position. As I mirror him, our bodies fit together like puzzle pieces. This is contentment, I think to myself. And this morning as he reached his arms around my waist and planted a kiss on my lips, I whispered, "I love you, Buddy." When he whispered, "I love you, too, Mama," with his little boy voice, the warmness and privilege of loving little people is cemented.

And after all, soon enough he will be the 21 year old.

ps - If you remember Jamie, the now 21 year old, please pray for him. It breaks this mother's heart to not be able to supply comfort. We have done everything possible and still have not been able to minimize his pain in any way. Hopefully soon there will be a lessening of his agony. In the meantime, he has missed over a week of classes, which is beginning to create another concern for him to consider. I would covet your prayers for him, my champion.