The Last Hug

After tucking Sweet Pea into bed, my husband kissed our little girl goodnight. Then it was my turn. Leaning over, I pressed my lips against her soft cheek.
     “Good night,” I whispered, “I love you.” Sweet Pea smiled and hugged me back.
     “Mwah!” Her lips smacked with enthusiasm. I patted her on the head and turned to leave. My husband still hovered by the doorway. Stepping into the hallway, I heard him circle back.
     “Good night, Sweet Pea,” he said,” delivering one more hug and kiss.
     “I love you, Daddy,” my sweet girl chirped. Her affection melted my heart. Then, it hit me. She never said those words to me tonight! I confess right here and now, my competitive, mischievous side reared its head.
     Quietly, I hid myself in the alcove of the bathroom…waiting. My husband exited Sweet Pea’s room. His feet padded down the hallway. Then I pounced.
     “I love you, Sweet Pea,” I sang, breezing back into Sweet Pea’s room. Her eyes widened in surprise. I leaned down to deliver one last hug and kiss. Take that Daddy! I thought.
     “Good night!” I smiled as I left the room. I walked down the hallway. But as I entered the next room, something caught my attention. My husband’s voice. He was back in Sweet Pea’s bedroom.
    “Good night!” He said with a chuckle.
     “Mwah!” Sweet Pea giggled.
     I could not believe my ears. He was trying to trump my last hug and kiss. Now it was on!
     I shoved by my husband as he exited. Without apology, I ran to my daughter’s bed. Once more, I leaned over and hugged.
     “I love you, Sweet Pea,” I oozed, “Sleep well!”
     Sweet Pea laughed, delighted. Clearly, a new bedtime game had been created. The last hug game.
     As I turned to leave, a slight breeze ruffled my cheek. I walked down the hallway to join my husband for evening prayers. But he was not in the room.
     “Good night, Sweet Pea,” rumbled my husband. He smothered a belly laugh and gleefully slipped out the door. Now the gauntlet had been thrown. The baton had been passed.  But this time I waited, biding my time.
     “Hello, dear,” I smiled at my husband as he entered the room. He laughed and sat down at his laptop.
     “excuse me one moment,” I said, standing up. And back to Sweet Pea’s room I strode.
     “I love you, sweetheart,” My arms encompassed her in a bear hug. I shook with laughter. Guffaws echoed from my husband in the next room. Sweet Pea wiggled with pure delight. The game thrilled her. And it tickled me to the core.
     When I turned to leave, I heard Sweet Pea’s laugh ring out.
     “Daddy!” she called, “Come and give me another hug!” All three of us laughed together. It felt so good to share in laughter. It felt so good to have fun. It felt amazing to love and be loved.
     I would like to say this wasn’t the end of the game. But for another ten minutes more, we played the last hug game. We delighted trumping the other’s hug and kiss. Sweet Pea encouraged us, her laughter and giggles egged us onward. With each hug, our hearts filled with love and laughter. And with each laugh joy spread. And with joy came peace.
     “Good night, Daddy,” Sweet Pea sang when we finally finished our game. “Good night, Mommy! I love you!”
     As parents, routines can often rule our days. But when we can still accomplish the task at hand with new zeal, perspective, or fun, it transforms the mundane into a vehicle for greater impact. Yes, Sweet Pea fell asleep a little later than usual. But what we took time to invest was of far deeper value…love, laughter, and joy. May each one of you take time to turn the ordinary today into the extraordinary. Live out love and joy in new ways this day.