Innocence

Wednesday night, as I tucked Seth into bed, I planted the seeds for sweet dreams:

“Sleep good, buddy.  We’re gonna have a fun day tomorrow.  Miss Tiffany is gonna come over, and we’re gonna go out for lunch, and we’re gonna stop and get cupcakes for Duncan’s birthday.”

“Duncan’s birthday,” he sleepily questioned.  “But Duncan isn’t home…”

I hesitated.  “No, he’s not home.  He doesn’t live with us anymore.  He went to live with Jesus in heaven.”

This gave him pause.  “In heaven?  With Jesus?”  A longer pause, as he watched the blades of his ceiling fan circle around and around.  “But he not remember to take his cupcakes!”

I smiled.  “Well, no, you’re right.  He didn’t take his cupcakes with him.  That’s why we are going to have some for him instead.”

That seemed to satisfy him, and he snuggled Bailey up to his chin.  “Mommy!  That’s a great idea!  I’m gonna eat him a blue one!”

Thursday morning, Seth was well aware of what day it was and what was on our agenda.  He rushed into my room (way too early, mind you), and jumped up on our bed, so he could get right up next to the picture of Jim and Duncan that hangs over our headboard.

So softly that I almost missed it at first, Seth began to sing to the picture:

“Happy birthday to you.  Happy birthday to you.  Happy birthday, dear Duncan.  Happy birthday to you!”

I was stunned, and so touched.  He really knew what the day was all about!

And then he turned to me and asked if it was time to eat cupcakes, ha!

And indeed….big brother Seth ate one for you, sweet Duncan.

You are known by your siblings, little one.  You are missed, you are loved, and you are known.