treasure

this early afternoon was particularly emotional and hard.
after trudging through difficult conversations,
i needed to leave and work the late shift at my job.
hugging the chop tightly
i told him that i would see him in the morning.
i need to go to work now. give me a hug, please.
he threw his arms around me and i held his tiny frame as tightly as i could.
i felt the tears welling deep in my heart.
wait, mama! don't go anywhere...
he disappeared for a moment and returned with a small, cloth bag.
here. 
he carefully handed me the bag so as not to spill the contents.
it is full of love. open it when you feel like you need it.

and as he smiled up at me, right then, my heart exploded
with all of the pride and love that a mother can feel for her child
times infinity.