Right Now

Midnight looms and I sit just sitting.
Twelve hours ago I had hoped to be on the road but it didn’t happen.  
We are rarely on time, so this is no surprise.

Our morning was tumultuous, which also not unusual.
I was low on energy and patience.
And they were full of energy and patience-testing tactics.

When we finally got on the road, exhaustion was replaced by giddy excitement!O
They were excited, too, and we sang loud, happy songs.

Long drive, long dinner, late night.
Hours after bedtime, they all pile into bed and giggle and whisper.
I sit just outside the door and listen as words fade to mumbles and then soft snores.
Oh, my heart!
Sometimes the good is so good that it aches.

Someone sighs contentedly and my heart and face both smile.