Make your own peace

If Ford should die in a sudden accident, a scenario I refuse to imagine or consider, I would use his eulogy as an opportunity to blast the dental hygienist who suggested that I discourage thumb-sucking for fear that Ford's teeth may move out of alignment.

I believe she meant well when she tried to steal his comfort and peace. Well-meaning people are notorious thieves of peace.

My best friend sucked his thumb until he was twelve, but only at night. I witnessed this at numerous sleepovers at his house. I didn't think less of him then and certainly don't now. We remain babies long after we lose our baby teeth.

The ability to create one's own peace must be defended at all costs. My son will have the rest of his long life to navigate the conflict in this world, and he has the chance to be one of the few peacemakers—makers of peace.

Bursting from a giggle more contagious than the worst diseases you can fathom, peace pours out of the gaping windows between his teeth.