We began a family ritual called Candle Time. Every night, we sit around the kitchen table and light a pair of candles, one for each of our girls to blow out. It’s our time to be together, enjoy a final snack before bedtime, and settle down for sleep. We share one thing we did today and one thing we look forward to doing tomorrow.

It’s become something that we all anticipate every evening. Sonya can say, “I want Candle Time.” Leena points at the beeswax tapers and razzes like she’s blowing out a candle.

It’s a nice coming-together at the end of each day. I hope Candle Time continues for years to come.