Down here in Central America, we get accustomed to our sunny mornings. Today, it is pouring rain and dark. The umbrellas pop open, and we resign to the fact that it’ll probably be a long, wet day. Addison got up at 5 a.m. sounding like the Snufalupagus from Sesame Street. I put a few nose drops in each nostril and rested him against my side. Snuggled in the dark, we both fell back asleep for an hour, until it was time to get Coco ready for school.

I unfolded myself from the blankets and hoped Addison would sleep a little longer. After zipping up my warm-up jacket, I looked over. Addison was chattering, kicking off the blankets. His dark blue eyes glowed just enough so I could see he was smiling. I reached down to pick him up. He sat up and put his arm around me, like an old man would do. He patted his hand on my shoulders. Sometimes I get the feeling that this little boy is a wise old man that was reincarnated into this soft, small body to teach me all the lessons and wisdom he gained in another life time.

After that hug, I was warm and had all I needed for the day. It didn’t seem so gloomy out anymore.