Holding Pattern

When her children were babies, she loved to hold them. Whenever they cried, whenever they needed her, her arms or her lap were there.

They grew older and bigger; she no longer burped them or rocked them.

They grew, and became heavy for her lap.

Grew more. She could still give them a hug.

Grew older. She could still put an arm around a shoulder.

Bigger. At times she could pat them on the back.

So she bought a dog. And they all sat in the living room, taking turns holding the dog.