missing

Emma, solemn: "Momma.  I miss Miss Susie and China."

Me:  "Emma, are you feeling sad?"

Emma, now teary: "Yes"

Me: "Emma, I think you are sad because you loved your friends in China.  And it is okay to miss them and feel sad.  That's how love works.  I'm so sorry you are sad."

Emma: "I want stay home and I want see China"

Me: "I want you to stay here with us, too.  And I want to go see your friends in China with you, too."

Long pause.

Emma: "Momma.  I'm sad."

Me:  "Emma, can I hold you and let you be sad with me?"

Emma: "Yes, momma.  Yes."

Emma climbs up into my lap and snuggles tight.