stay

Last night we stayed up late and enjoyed the beautiful fireworks and the full moon.

While putting my son to bed he asked me, "How old will I be when you die?"

I said, "Oh, you'll be a grown-up. It's a long, long time from now. I plan to stay here as long as I can."

He thought for a while... "Can you stay with me until I fall asleep tonight?"

So I stayed. And I think about the countless people who are... not here. Millions of people who are no longer with us. People who were once doing just this: holding a sleeping child and watching the moon.

I am grateful that it is my turn...  for this little while.