Thank you

I just wanted to thank you for trashing the house today.
For yelling, and being belligerent, and ignoring me completely.
And thank you for calling your brother stupid.

Thank you for throwing that roll of toilet paper down the stairs.
For being loud. So incredibly, beautifully loud.
And thank you for eating the candy in the Advent calendar for breakfast--all twelve pieces.

Thank you for talking back, and getting mud all over the kitchen floor, and leaving a trail of clothes, and toys, and superheros behind you wherever you go.

Thank you for rolling your eyes at me. And for never putting your clothes away. And for stomping your feet as you sulk away up to your room.

Thank you for screaming, and sobbing, and crying. Whenever and wherever you feel like.
At decibels I didn't know existed.

And thank you for your laughter, too.

It is all a reminder of all that I have. Of all that you are.

And of how quickly it can all be taken away.

Grieving. Embracing. Praying.

All at the very same time.