A first birthday. A #1 beeswax candle sits proudly on a homemade banana mini cupcake frosted with yogurt. A mother, my daughter prepared this birthday treat with thought and care. I marvel as I reflected on how my daughter had championed pregnancy and new motherhood during Covid-19. A first grandchild. A granddaughter. We quietly celebrated pandemic style…
Easy to smile. Brown eyes that sparkle. Fine light-colored hair exhibiting the possibility of curls. A hint of her voice noted as her words begin to form. Two teeth visible with more trailing behind. Arms extend in my direction. My heart. She is joyful. She has filled our lives with joy…
Boston during the height of rush hour pales in comparison to a day spent with a one-year-old steeped in exploration. Well, rush hour as we once understood. The repeated wobble of independence as she understands her strength. Her foundation. Experimenting with the power of her own small body as she squats to ultimately perfect her stance. Evolution in motion…
Thrilled by the ocean during a recent trip to Cape Cod. Snacked on some sand. Fascinated by older children playing on the lawn of a local outdoor restaurant. Eager to join. My arms hug Belle just a little tighter as I want her to stay as she is for as long as possible…
She waves with an enviable exuberance and innocence as she greets people everywhere. Usurping smiles from strangers as we walk. Social distancing has not dampened her spirit as she knows no difference. In the moment is where she lives…
The Covid-19 challenges are just that. Challenges we must meet. How different the world is right now? I can’t help but wonder about the strength of our cultural foundation as I look into the face of this beautiful child. How can we not want to protect our most precious and vulnerable population?
“There can be no keener revelation of a society’s soul than the way in which it treats its children.” Nelson Mandela
