It was a beautiful afternoon, Boo was still napping and AJ and I decided to read his favorite golf book outside on the patio. He loves looking at pictures of various courses from around the world and the funny places that a golf ball can end up; his favorite is cow dung. He laughs and laughs when he sees it.

Duke and Blue came out to see what we were up to, proceeded to lick AJ and beg for attention.

AJ began to pet them and said, "Don’t worry boy, I love you. My heart is connected to yours and Mommy’s and everyone who lives in our house. My heart is with your heart so you know that I love you."

I smiled because I remembered a night a year or so ago and AJ was afraid to go to bed. I kept going back to his room to help him fall asleep. First there was a monster under the bed, then a dinosaur looking in his window and finally a bear that refused to go home.

He wanted me to stay with him to keep him safe. I told him that he did not need to worry, I sent them all home and their mommies were busy putting them to bed.

Then I went on to say that I love him so much that even if he can’t see me I am with him. My love is so strong for him that it reaches out from my heart to his. As family, our hearts are connected; even when Daddy is traveling we can feel his love for us. No matter what, the love in our hearts keeps us safe.

I remember it like it was yesterday. As a mom, it felt so special to hear him say those words. He spoke in a gentle tone, pet the dogs so sweetly and was genuine in his statement.

That moment made a special mark on my heart, filled a spot that was otherwise empty, and reminded me of the magic that lives within a child.

Off to make another Mommy Milestone.