I feel a presence close as I expel a tired breath and crack open my eyes. I am greeted by exceedingly blue eyes and disheveled blonde locks.

“Mommy!”, he says in a mock whisper. “I’m hungry! Can you make me peanut butter and butter?” (translation: peanut butter and butter on a slice of wheat bread)

“Can’t you have a yogurt?”

“No! I want peanut butter and butter! You can come back after you make it for me!”

He will not relent. As I drag my tired body from an all too short slumber, I try to remember that these days where help is needed are numbered. Now that he is in school, he’s at a whole new chapter of his life. Soon he will not allow me a kiss or a hug within hurling range of his friends. He will grow tall enough to reach the milk in the refrigerator, and find a way to reach the cups and plates in the top cabinet. He will be a big boy, he’s a school-ager, and someday he will not need a mommy’s help.

This morning, though, he still needs me to make him a sandwich. And mommy needs some coffee.

**Disclaimer**  While this happens to me occassionally, it usually happens to Brian.  He’s closest to the door. 😉