That's Why Its Called Sunday

I am getting over a stomach flu bug, fortunately on the down slope of things and actually out of bed today. The 2 youngest kids had it, too and by the time the third of us, Jacob, cried out for help in the middle of the night on Friday, my husband was ready to lose his mind and run screaming out into the fresh 10 degree night air and stay there. But, that is not why I am writing today. The kids bounced back much faster than I did and so went to church with the rest of the family while I slept and attempted to fold the huge piles of laundry that are a side effect of this illness. But I was in bed when they got home from church, looking at the latest issue of Better Homes and Gardens, with the window blinds open and the blue sky and sunshine pouring in on me. Jacob, 8, crept in and climbed into bed beside me and put his head on my shoulder. He asked me if I felt better and kissed me on the cheek. I wearily told him I was very tired, but I had a good rest. He just snuggled and looked at my magazine with me for about 10 minutes, which is saying something because he is not what you would describe as a "restful" child. We should have named him Jacob Fidget Jensen. The words "still" and "slow" are not in his comprehension and neither are "careful" or "calm". He is, however, affectionate and kind. In appreciation for his being so still with me, I leaned over and kissed his forehead. He looked up at me with a grin and I smiled. I admit, I had not genuinely smiled for days, and as I did, his eyes brightened in astonishment, and he said the sweetest words I have heard in a long time. "Mom, when you smiled, the sun shined brighter!"
Now, I know it was probably a little cloud moving out of the way of Mr. Sun, but I allowed the compliment its full meaning and I kissed him again and he just grinned from ear to ear at this bit of magic. And it was a bit of magic, because I did feel better. Much better.