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Hiccups

When the hiccups strike, there is one tried and true remedy that you use: your husband. You go to him and he wraps his arms around you and you feel calmness washing over you. Your blood pressure drops. Your breathing deepens. You relax, and the hiccups go away.

Tonight the youngest gingerbread boy sat by your side as you read to him. He hiccuped. You suggested he get some water.

"But I can't reach the glasses. Can you do that thing? That hug thing?"

So you open your arms and he settles in, chest to chest. You can feel him relaxing as you hold him. The hiccups disappear. But you stay that way, enjoying the feel of his bean-pole body against you for a short time.

Love is the best defense against hiccups.


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