Just a little space.

Dearest Hud,
Today you were a pure delight to be around.  I think it may have been due to the 18 hour break you had from me.  Either you missed me so much, having me back made you overly joyous (and compliant), or you desperately needed the break from me.  Likely, it was both.  There is such truth in the phrase "absence makes the heart grow fonder."  Especially when applied to mommies and their children.
You and I are pretty attached at the hip.  There isn't much I do, aside from running, that you don't do with me.  And even now and then you like me to push you in the jog stroller while you watch Curious George.  Pushing that stroller is a pain, but having you with me on those runs is always fun for me.  I like you with me.  Even when we disagree the most, I cannot imagine a universe where I would want you anywhere else but next to me.
Although having a night to myself with the ladies, followed by a 6 hour running extravaganza early the next morning felt like a lot of time for me to be away, in reality I can see it is just a drop in the hat.  That time apart is really, really good for us.  You got time with daddy and I got time to be with just grownups.  We both got some time to breathe and really appreciate one another again.
Today you said to me, over and again, "Mommy, I love you, you're my best mommy."  Every time it was as if you were telling me for the first time.  I can't even count how many hugs I got today.  Even Hayden was able to cash in on some of your delightfulness!  Two times you told him, "Hayden, you are my best bruddar."  You have such love in you my boy.  When you share it and let it out, it is a thing of power.  You soften hearts with that love.  And what is more powerful than that??  That is the power I hope you recognize in yourself and let that be the thing that directs you.  Anger so easily comes out for you and I, but it is love, God's love in us, that really moves mountains.
Let's hold fast to that Hud.  When the frustrations start to boil and the anger starts to steam... let's hold fast instead to the "I love you's," the hugs and the encouragement.  I really, really think we can do this.  Today renewed that hope.  You and I, we got this.  God is with us, I can see Him clearly in the love.  He is here. We are starting again, this week, back at love.  Back at grace.  Thankful for the space.  The breathing space you and I were able to have this weekend that allowed for a renewing of love in words and love in action.
I am thankful for you my Middle Duck.
I love you.
-Your Best Mommy