Four

Tucking in four children takes a lot

They all need different attention, 

dìfferent kinds of listening,

different comforts

Four different moods,

four different essences to absorb and understand

to breath back out what they need to breath in

Four different souls to sooth and quiet

down towards sleep

Each one feels so different to cuddle

Four different types of love

Today

I got up and helped the kids off to school with a good start to the day

pleasant, steady

Our neighbor is in a crisis and I listen to her 

mourn with her mourning

Off to the store for art supplies for the class 

and cupcakes

for friends

a birthday

and a loss

Lunch served

Supper made

Afterschool snack ready

I tidy and prep for class

welcome the kids and teach, guide, explain, encourage

save smiles for my boys

I take a deep breath and hug them long enough for it to soak in

then quick bites and Cub shirts

bedtime round one with stories and cuddles

bedtime round two with a listening heart

Laundry and lunches

The day is done

Tired but not drained

I am happy for all the chances

 to do some tiny thing for someone

I gave and was willing

and this is good.