One More Kiss

I woke this morning with a heavy heart.  Today would be a hard day.
Yesterday, two bus loads of band students, who were on their way to a back to school field trip were in a multi-vehicle pile up on the interstate.  I was working in my classroom when we got the news there had been an accident.  A co-worker rushed out in a panic...she had two daughters on that bus.  Hours later, one of them would be gone.  And many other students would be injured and shell-shocked.
I spent the evening with my eyes glued to the news footage...I couldn't seem to focus on anything else.  I attended a prayer vigil held at my own children's high school where the students expressed their pain and emotional support for these fellow band members from their neighbor-town.
How would we go back to work after this?
My family slept peacefully...I was the only one who was starting work today...and I gathered my purse and keys.  I walked to the front door.
"Kiss them goodbye," my heart whispered.
But they're all sleeping.  I don't want to wake them up.
"Kiss them goodbye."
I put my things down and went to my son's room.  He was deep in boy sleep all tangled in a sheet. He has a "loft" bed and  I chuckled at myself inwardly because I had to climb up on a tall stool to reach his forehead.  This was no incidental kiss.  It was intentional.  I kissed his cheek. "I love you," I whispered.  He stirred, "love you too" he mumbled.
Then I went down the stairs to Hillary's "apartment."  She snuggled on her side, bangs across her face.  I swept the hair aside and kissed her smooth cheek.  "I'm going to work.  I love you."  "love you too, mom," she said, never opening her eyes.
I went out the door and into my day, feeling so blessed to have my children within lips reach.  Because we don't always know when we give the last kiss.  I'm just thankful I've had one more...