you're 8... it's late

"promise me you'll always be strong." this is told her tonight out of the un-seeming blue. "do you understand what i mean?"
"yes" she said. "it means be true. and do to what you have to..." my child - you are so wise and knowing - even when all is unsaid.

"you are the best mom in the whole world." she whispered as i laid her head.
"i try... i fail sometimes but i am trying to be a good mama."
"you don't have to try." she looked me in the eye
"it's like golf." (this from one who plays no golf!) "just a little touch and it can go a long way. you just think about the goal and just tap it and it will go where you need it to go..."

"you're 8. it's late. you're too damn smart. now go to sleep and dream of childish things."