His small, powerful fist unclenches just as his breathing acquires a gentle, rhythmic rumble. And as badly as I wanted a few minutes earlier to extricate myself from his fierce grip, now I am completely content to lie quietly next to him. I could almost forget that the soft, contented snoring was a result of his allergies as I savored the feel of his hand in mine.
I still lie down with him when he has trouble getting to bed. It comforts him, but for me it is a reminder of the early days when milk and my mere presence were always enough to completely comfort him.
Now, I lay him down to sleep, and I wait for the chirping to turn to silence and the silence to turn to snoring and for a few minutes I am completely aware of what serenity is. And when the present and all its ‘to-dos’ intrude, I will forget that love-struck peace until the next time the silence becomes snoring.