She's ahead of me on the path. All legs and ponytail swishing. She's lanky and adjusting to a body that's changing everyday. She yells, "I'm taking that path and I'll meet you on the other side". She's yearning for a little independence. She doesn't even look back to see if I'm following. Her gaze is focused on her destination. She skips, hopscotches and takes the long way around. Then one foot flies one way and the other lands crooked and she goes down on the path. She stands up quickly, shakes it off, looks to see if I'm close by and continues skipping.
I pause to look at the Azalea's...they didn't bloom in time for Easter this year, but they should be in glorious full bloom in a week or so, just in time for her 9th birthday. Nine years...If I close my eyes...and shut out the world... I can still smell her newborn fuzzy head, hear her first cry, see her first smile, and know one of the sweetest things in life is having a daughter.
Picture was taken in 2006...when she was 4, it was her birthday & Easter weekend
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