Sunshine on a dark night

2 a.m.

He wakes in a cold sweat. Shaking like a leaf. Clearly unsettled.

Unsettled. A place we've spent a lot of time in recent weeks. Make that months.

2:10

I am the bear. The teddy bear. The security blanket.

It's clear that I'm the lifeline. And he's holding on tight.

2:25

Sing for me. Baby, please. It's your voice I need.

Do WHAT? uhhh......

My mind goes blank. But only for a moment. And the words just come:

The other night dear
As I lay sleeping
I dreamed I held you in my arms
When I awoke, dear
I was mistaken
So I hung my head and I cried.

You are my sunshine
My only sunshine
You make me happy
When skies are gray
You'll never know dear
How much I love you
Please don't take my sunshine away

So let the sun shine in
Face it with a grin
Smilers never loose
And Frowners never win
So let the sun shine in
Face it with a grin
Open up your heart and let the sun shine in

My daddy told me something
That little girls should know
It's all about the devil
And I've learned to hate him so
I know he'll be unhappy
Cause I'll never wear a frown
And if we keep on smiling
He'll get tired of hangin' round

So let the sun shine in
Face it with a grin
Smilers never loose
And Frowners never win
So let the sun shine in
Face it with a grin
Open up your heart and let the sun shine in

Words my father used to sing to me when I was a small child.

In my voice, he found his comfort.

In these words, I found mine.