your eyes lit up

Dear Reesie,
Today you did something I have to document, for fear of forgetting it. And I really, really don't want to forget it.

A little while ago we went to the bookstore. While we were waiting to check out you sat in your stroller, examining the customers in front of us. One of them was a girl about 12 years old.

And she looked sad.

You stared her up and down. She turned for a moment and looked at you. But she did not talk to you or even smile at you. She was too sad.

As you gazed up at the girl, you raised your little arm, wiggled your fingers and beamed a big, bright smile. Your wave beckoned her out of her sadness. Your smile was so bright it melted her face into a smile too. For a few minutes she forgot she was sad. Because of you.

I hope I never forget what you did today Sweet Girl. I hope as you grow older you are as kind as you are now. I hope you never lose your fascination with others nor your innate ability to reach out to them.

Because Honey, there will be many many more people you will meet in this world who are sad. Who need someone to reach out to them, even when they're not acting very worthy of our affection. Sometimes it will be hard to let them know we care about them anyway. And sometimes, even after you've made the first step, they still will turn down your attempt.

But you must smile anyway.

Wave anyway.

Love anyway.

I love you. And I pray above any accomplishment you might achieve along the way, you will be kind.

"In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven."
Matthew 5:16