She pauses for a moment to gather her own still-forming thoughts on what little life she’s lived, even though she’s his senior.

“I think a blessing is something, like, it’s something very special given to somebody who, like, didn’t expect it and maybe didn’t deserve it.”

“Like a present under the tree!” his small voice lifts as he puts two and two together.

“Well, kinda . . . yeah, something like that.”

He pauses and begins surveying the book once again, taking in the images and words scattered about the pages.

“Do you think everybody’s getting presents today like us?”

His question unsuspected, she turns toward him and answers softly, “I hope so.”

Entering the room with a tray populated with cups of hot chocolate, their parents ask if they’re enjoying reading the story.

The little boy jumps from the sofa into his mother’s lap, his arms spread across both parents as best they can.

“I learned a new word today,” he says excitedly.

“Is that so?” she asks, taken by the rush of affection, a warm Christmas smile forming on her face. “What is it?”

“Blessing,” he eagerly replies.

“And what does it mean?” mother asks, curiously awaiting his response.

He doesn’t answer.

Rather, he lets out a laboring grunt as he squeezes her abdomen as tightly as his little outstretched arms and hands ever have before.

“That’s what it means,” his sibling says with a momentary “big sister” pride beaming from her face.

She, too, launches herself from the sofa and into her father’s arms, joining the Christmas fun.

______________

***
Lest we forget. -Rg2

© 2015 Pamper-Her-Friday by Rg2®