l.o.v.e.

When the boys were little we would say "I love you" in sign language. You know which one I mean? The one sort of like a Hang Loose sign but with your pointer finger up, too? We did this at school drop offs...babysitting drop offs...just because.

When Ian was three I went back to work part-time. It was really, really hard...but it was also necessary. We were incredibly blessed to find out that an old friend of mine had opened a daycare and had one spot available. Ian fit right in. Even though it was a great fit and he had a great time while I was at work it was still hard for us to say goodbye to each other in the morning. So to make it easier (on both of us) right after I'd drop him off, he'd go to the front window and wave to me all the way down the driveway. Sometimes I'd do silly waves...or really BIG waves...or sometimes I'd skip...the neighbors must have thought I was crazy. But that was OK...it made the separation much easier. And it was worth it to his toothy grin instead of a sad face.

When I finally got to the car I'd get in...fasten my seat belt...then look to the window where we would both flash each other the sign language "I love you" sign. Once that was done he'd go off with the other kids...ready to start his day. And I'd drive off to work...content knowing that he was in good hands and was going to have lots of fun until I got back.