Despite the spectrum of intense emotions I embrace daily and then spill on to these pages, I will never take for granted that there is such abundant joy in my life. The height of which comes from seeing my little girl’s eyes sparkle as she runs to me for a ceremonious Happy Birthday song and cuddles.

Six years have passed since I gave birth to and met this amazing person and I am the one who feels like I got the best present of all- her in my life. I’m inspired by her courage, graced by her laughter and downright impressed by her resiliency in this world.

What is most powerful is that incredible little person turned this selfish, wayward soul into someone who believes they can move mountains for love. Singlehandedly she took off the blinders that perpetually limited my sight, introducing me to the beauty of absolutely everything around me.

I took a moment and looked through her pictures over the years and I stop at one photo when she was little. That smile radiates and her hand is open toward me, the photographer. She is playfully beckoning me to join her and the ongoing adventure that surrounds her presence at all times. Like she’s daring me to walk on the wild side. Her old-soul look is there, even as a toddler, and by looking at this photo I am transported to that magical time when my heart began melting and I became alive for the first time.