when i got home last night, my little buddy was all dressed up in army gear, slung his rifle and saluted me. then he marched on.
so i knelt down and asked him to give me a hug, that i hadn't had a hug all day. so he gave me a really big squezee hug, with the rifle (one of my wife's old practice rifles from high school days in the drum and bugle corps) bashing me on the nose.
he remarked, in a litlle, disbelieving but inquisitive voice, "no one gave you a hug at work today?"
so i repled, " no, no hugs. but they do give me money so we can pay for our house, and food, and electricity, and toys, for you and mommy".
he thought for a second, marched back over to me, wrapping his arms around my neck and climbing on, saying "well, then i'll give you hugs since no one else does."
i said to him, "why thank you. you know, hugs are worth much more than money".
to which he replied with almost the condescending assurity and inocent wisdom of a 4 year old, "of course. i know that dad..."