Sleep sweet child sleep
Kiara used to fall asleep on her own.
Then sometime toward the end of last year a few things happened – David arrived and so did her dad. My little girl child doesn’t cope well with change. So I started lying with her. I knew it wasn’t the right thing but I suppose subconsciously I did feel guilty about all the changes. So I lie with her each night for 5-10 minutes as she falls asleep.
A few nights ago I realised she will actually fall asleep on her own without too much fuss but I am not ready to give it up. I realised this when I found myself lying long after she had fallen asleep and I had no desire to go anywhere.
Every night I get to watch this little being fall asleep. I get to listen as her breathing changes and she heads off to dream land. I get to remember the beauty that is my daughter. I forget the fighting and the tension and problems and I remember her laugh, her spirit.
I know I can’t do it forever – she won’t let me. But for tonight (and maybe tomorrow too) I will lie with her. Not because she needs it but because I need it.
Bitter are the tears of a child: Sweeten them.
Deep are the thoughts of a child: Quiet them.
Sharp is the grief of a child: Take it from him.
Soft is the heart of a child: Do not harden it.
Pamela Glenconner
