It is 3 a.m.

And I am still awake.  It has been one of those nights.  Maybe I am just over tired.  Or in need of chocolate.  I don't know.  I don't often talk about my oldest son.  It seems like I have to talk about so many personal things in regards to him with perfect strangers so much that I choose not to share here.  Sometimes it is good.  Sometimes it isn't.  Anywho....I am kept awake tonight thinking about pure joy.  How often we see it on our kids faces.  How often (if we're lucky) we feel it ourselves.

I dug this picture out of a drawer a few weeks ago.  It is my favorite picture.  I thought it had been lost.  I believe I took it just days before he was diagnosed.  It was right before Easter that year (obviously, from the bunny ears).  Last year, last month or even a few hours ago I couldn't have told you why it was my favorite picture.  But as I was laying in bed, it hit me.  This is the only picture I have of him with a look of joy on his face.  Not a smirk or a grin.  True joy.  And I can't for the life of me remember the last time I saw it on his face.  I am just thankful that at one time he felt it.

I hope you all take the time today to recognize your own moments of joy.