When a cookie fixed everything

Today we had 1st Reconciliation and some of our kids were so scared. They were so afraid to go talk to one of our priests and tell them what they did wrong. I went up and down the aisle and can I say, those stuffed lambs make a huge difference in the stress level of a 7 year old.

I passed a sister of a second grader. She is 5 years old and crying she wanted to go home. I asked her if she could keep a secret from her sister. The answer was No! I asked if she could keep it for a little while and she said she would try. I told her about the bubble wands we were giving out at the end and she could stand with her sister and have her own bubble wand. She agreed she could stay.

Later when I had time to really think, I remembered the days one of mine would break down and a hug and a cookie would make the world right. Today, it was a bubble wand. I miss those days. My kids grew up. The problems are harder. I can listen. I can be there. But there is no way a cookie and a hug will solve these big problems.

I held a four month old this afternoon. As I held her I thought of her innocence, her open heart. And I am so grateful that at some age, a hug and a cookie can make the world right again.