“I kiss it mommy?” Lela me asked this morning, as I complained of a back ache. “It better now?” she quickly followed up, nodding her head with hope gleaming in her eyes.

“Yes, of course, much better” I reassured her, wishing all those kisses really suppressed pain. The kiss warmed my heart.

Compassion, I wonder, how do toddlers learn to be positive during painful times and compassionate? Lela certainly believes in the healing power of kisses as she covers her brothers head with them whenever she has mistreated him. “Sorry Si”, kiss, kiss.

Maybe it’s not just time that heals all wounds. Her positive attitude for those suffering around her is one of the best medicines I’ve witnessed.

In struggles we offer help when we can, even when we have nothing else we can have compassion. In times when there are no medicines, or acceptable answers, no pain relief strong enough or quick fixes; we simple show love by being available. My little bouncing toddler doesn’t have to know why I am hurting, or when the pain will end, her tender heart just wants to be near me when I hurt. Offering her endless kisses as a blanket of hope.

She silently reassures me, that all healing begins with positive thinking, and the willingness to accept the littlest kiss.