This past week was pretty rough… small reminders of my dad brought a lot of tears, but tonight I was reminded how incredibly blessed I am.

I was reading about Marian consecration and Becky really wanted to sit with me. I initially told her to lay on the other side of the couch and go to sleep. She slowly inched towards me and it hit me that I did not want to give up the opportunity to snuggle for a few minutes, so I let her lay on my lap while I read (made note taking hard). Her little smiles every time I glanced at her made me so happy.

She fell asleep holding my hand. And that is when I cried again. I have never liked touch. With the exception of a small selection of people, I do not like hugging. Even handshakes are weird. But in holding her hand I was reminded of how safe I felt holding my father’s hand. I miss that.

Tonight Becky’s snuggles, smiles, and little fingers were a reminder of Dad, but more importantly they were a reminder of how blessed I have been in life. The love God has shown me through family, friends, and life.

I almost pushed away the snoring kid on my lap right now, because I wanted to take notes on Mary, who definitely would have welcomed Rebecca’s hand. I was going to turn down the comforting hand of one of the greatest blessings I have ever received.

J.M.J.