The priesthood power in my home doubled yesterday.

I felt a bit like Hannah.

Both happy and sad. Both blessed and robbed. Both humbled and entitled. Amazed at the opportunity to mother such a son, and tenderly aware that he is not really mine. Utterly grateful for even one moment with this boy, and equally devastated by the brevity of childhood.

David's voice broke when he blessed Caleb. Overwhelmed, I think, by the same feelings.

Yesterday in sacrament meeting, when they asked Caleb to stand and be sustained, one of my friends turned around in her bench and mouthed, "He's twelve?!" to me across the room. I nodded and she winced.

My thoughts exactly.

Makes me wonder how Hannah made herself get up that morning, what she cooked for breakfast, and if she touched her boy all the way to the temple. And how she had the faith to turn around and walk home, or if it was Samuel who turned around and walked away first.

The latter I think.

At least, that is how it is happening in my life.

I reread her account last night when my house was quiet, but my head was not. It comforts me some, that Hannah was given to emotional displays. After all, I have a similar tendency.

But in the end, she took her three bullocks and her ephah of flour and gave thanks.

And after the ribeye roast and the apple pie and the kisses goodnight, in the dark and the quiet, I did the same.