the heart of a five year old

We often times underestimate what children can and can't comprehend. But today is a perfect example of how much they really do understand. The moment I saw her this morning, she ran to me and threw her arms around my neck and told me she loved me. She made every step I did. It was almost as if she was protecting me, shielding me from all the "you're strongs" and "you'll be fines" that people seem to think are comforting in this sort of situation. It was the first Sunday I sat in our pew without him. The first time I looked at the stage where I had pictured every whispered I love you, every spoken vow, and that first kiss to begin our lives, and realized that none of that would happen now. I broke down before we even got through the welcoming announcements. She took her tiny little hands, placed them in mine, and held them through the entire service. She wrapped her arms around me, wiped my tears away. Its like she knew exactly what I needed at that very moment. She felt my pain and did her very best to let me know she was there for me, that she loved me. A five year old made me stronger.