Your Toes are like Ice Cubes

 

At some time in the night my 4year old placed himself in my arms.
I did not hear the creak of a bed, his little footsteps coming near, or the depression in the mattress.  He was in my arms cozy and snug.  But I awoke when he pressed his little feet into my legs to get them warm.
The voice in my head said, "Your toes are like Ice Cubes". I didn't say in out loud because I was a human taco.  One little guy pressed to my back, one big brother cradled in my arms, peacefully, quietly...
And then I smiled, and thought of my Dad.
The words,"Your toes are like ice cubes", took me back to my own childhood, cradled in my Daddy's arms.
I remember exactly how it felt to walk across the hall, having awoken by a dream or a chill. Then to crawl into my parents bed and be enveloped in my Dad's strong arms, kind words, and warmth. Every time he would say the same words, "Your toes are like ice cubes!", then follow it with a giggle. And after that giggle I would usually fall back into a deep sleep.
It is a fond memory, being engulfed in warmth and welcoming.

In the night I thought of how blessed I am.
To have always been welcomed, cradled in love, and offered kind words.
A gesture, a way of life, a giving to the next generation.
And I get to pass this gesture down to my little men.


Thank you Dad!