She Is Never Too Old For Hugs

Lucia is growing up to be a lady, her mother said. She is too old for hugs and kisses. She is eight! I protested. Still a baby. You are coddling her. She has to grow up. Understanding her mother’s feelings, I ignore this advice. I think eight-year-olds need reassuring hugs and kisses. I think they need to fling themselves onto a lap. I will coddle her as much as I like. Because I will blink my eyes and she will be married with her own babies. My daughter does not understand this yet. But soon she will.