An extra special hug

I don't know why, but recently I have started missing my family when I travel.

I have always travelled for work and it has never bothered me, even when they were babies.

However when I am away from them now, it hurts. I somehow ache to be with them.

Maybe its becasue I am travelling more now than I have in the last three years. Maybe it's because the kids are at such a cool age, and a lot is happening to them in terms of growth and life experiences. Or maybe its my age and my knowledge that one day they are not going to be little anymore.

So tonight as I came home, I was excited to see them. I got special hugs and lots of attention. We did silly things together and played games.

And as I put the little one to bed tonight, she asked me to cuddle her to sleep. I did. Willingly.

As I stood up to leave, she put her little arms out to me, as if to ask me to stay. But they just flopped back down on the sheets, as she was already gone. Off to the land of nod.

How nice it felt to be loved and hugged in that way. Being wanted next to them as they settle for the night.

Such lovely moments. To treasure and hold dear.