Blankets and Other Valuables
“We need to talk about your blanket, Josh.” I'm seated next to my toddler at the breakfast table. Matt is on his way to Montessori pre-school. It's just one year old Ben, Josh and me having a quiet morning together, a perfect time for a serious conversation. Three bowls of apple and spice instant oatmeal are scattered on the table between droplets of orange juice and milk. Ben’s high chair tray is splotched with shiny patches of varnish, dents and bits of dried cereal. His hair sticks out in spikes held firm by butter and toast tidbits that he has squished through doughy fingers. Josh wiggles in his booster chair, making room for his crib blanket next to him. The thermal weave, blue edged satin, thinned comfort cloth mats down easily. His round eyes open wide, head lifted towards me as half a spoonful of cereal goes in his mouth and the other half dribbles down the front of his teddy bear pajama tops. I take a deep breath and speak with a concerned and I hope compassion