“Sacramentals” in the National Catholic Reporter (September 5, 2008).
After saying prayers with my daughter, then telling her a short story with only the nightlight on, we spend a few quiet minutes rocking in a peaceful meditation before I place her in her crib for the night.
On one such night I broke the silence, I suppose feeling especially grateful that day.
I whispered to her, “Daddy loves Molly.”
She repeated me, using her word for “me” – “mine,” saying “Daddy loves mine.”
I went on: “Mommy loves Molly.”
Again she repeated: “Mommy loves mine.”
I told her that her little brother loves her: “Michael loves Molly.”
She echoed: “Michael loves mine.”
And then with her inseparable stuffed animal: “Ducky loves Molly.”
“Ducky loves mine,” she repeated.
I smiled and nodded in affirmation at my little girl. A silent minute went by and then she looked me in the eyes and proclaimed, “Molly loves mine!”
I smiled at her wisdom.
What a lesson to be taught – to love oneself!