"Mamma?"
"Yes"
"Um, I just wanted to say thank you for spending this money on me." Her voice is small and filled with emotion.
I put my arms around her and hold her close, it is my job to provide her food and shelter - to ensure that her lunch is what it can be to get her through the day. It is not just my job, but it is my pleasure do do these things.
Just as it is my greatest joy in life to share her life and to have her share my life. As I explained to her, it isn't about the money but the shared experience and the time we spend together.
"Still" she says, the hole in her ballet shoes heavy in her mind "Thank you"
"You're welcome." I tell her giving her all the love I can. She doesn't understand that every day I find myself thankful for the person that she is and the wonders of being her Mamma.