The Conversation*

Last night the GirlChild and I were laying in her bed talking over her day.

"I'm sad."

"How come?"

"We aren't a family anymore."

Since she had just returned from spending the night with DogDoc, I kinda thought I knew where this was heading.

"You and BoyChild and Daddy and I will always be a family, Sweetheart."

"We aren't a BIG family anymore."

"What do you mean?"

"With RangerDoc gone, we aren't a BIG family anymore."

"RangerDoc will only be gone a little while and when he comes back he'll still be part of our family."

"But what if he dies?"

Pause. I didn't see this one coming.

"Well, I hope RangerDoc doesn't die, and I don't think he is going to, but if he does, we'll all still be a family."

"Really? Even DogDoc."

"Yes, Sugar, especially DogDoc."

"Mom?"

"Yes."

"Can the BoyChild go with us to the grocery store tomorrow?"

"We'll see."