It was one of those priceless moments that comes to all families. As I sat around the kitchen table with my almost-adult children, they began to share some of their childhood secrets. One said: "Mom, do you remember when the slats kept falling out of Ben's bed, and we told you we didn't know why? We were jumping on it."

I said, "I know."

"Did you know I didn't eat my lima beans? When I excused myself to go to the bathroom during dinner, they were in my napkin and got flushed."

"I suspected as much when I saw the bulging napkin accompanying you."

"Do you remember the peanut butter sandwich you found in the VCR slot? I put it there. It was the perfect size."

And once again, I said, "I figured."

Finally, one of my oldest daughters laughed and said, "I can't believe you still loved us."

I smiled to myself and thought, "It was easy, because you are my own."