happiness is ...

"little boys are a loud noise with dirt on them."

-mark twain

this is what i am missing, being in texas. niko (dominic) is my godson, my nephew, and a joy and delight of my heart. i thank God for my sister's courage and sacrifice. this boy is living proof of the glorious good that far outweighs any wrong and of God's supreme ability to redeem any situation beyond our imagining. he loves butterflies and trucks and planes but most of all his choo-choos; he doesn't like singing unless it's to him; he loves outside, swinging, going down the slide, running around with endless energy, and me. he's a "big strong man" and a "bear" and a cut-up.

happiness is the love of a child, and there is something so special about boys.