Date Night

How does an insomnia-primed, over-scheduled day turn sweet? When your husband suggests you go get your nails done and relax. And the sweetness lies not at all in some simple manicure, but in the labors of love this window of time allows to transpire.

When you walk in to flowers and candles -- your own home, much of the time your workplace -- graced with beauty and soft light.

When your children-cum-hostess-and-waiter

greet you with eager and shy smiles by turn,

happy to be part of a special date night for

mom and dad.

When your husband sits across fom you over a meal he has thoughtfully prepared and arranged on the good china.

When you can hear your children's laughter trickle down from the kitchen, but the only one hovering near enough your private table to overhear conversation is your ever-faithful dog.

When you realize that life is stressful and you've both changed over the years but you've still got a good thing going...

Now that's a date.