[The kids get anxious when Lesa or I have to travel. They worry we won’t come back and they’ll loose us. Ashley is the worst. She has bad dreams like car wrecks and fires – things that would keep us from coming back.]

Ashley: Daddy, I’m having those bad dreams again.

Dave: Which ones?

Ashley: The one where there’s a fire and you and Mommy don’t wake up and die and I’m all alone.

Dave: I don’t think you have to worry. We have two fire alarms and the dogs will probably bark too. I’ll hear them and get up even if I’m tired.

Ashley: But what if you can’t get out?

Dave: Are you serious? Me not get out? Of course I’ll get out – and I’ll come get you, and your brothers, if you guys can’t get out!

Ashley: Okay. Can you snuggle with me? I can’t sleep.

Dave: Sure, I can snuggle for a little while.