Tall and graceful greeting her guests at the door

Easy, natural smile

Deep dimples and a warm embrace

And a sincere “Thank you for coming”

Fuchsia summer dress, demure, elegant, timeless and uniquely her

I blinked and there she is, newborn fragile in her proud brother’s arms

I blinked and there again, suffering to breathe in the hospital

I blinked and she’s twirling in circles, princess dress and tights puddling around her ankles

I blinked and she’s on a porch in the bright beach sun and a cherry red Popsicle is dripping and melting and staining her father’s crisp white T-shirt that’s as long as a ball gown swimming on her tiny frame and her cheeks and lips and hands are stained and it’s a wonder any Popsicle found its way into her mouth

I blinked and she’s flying down the field red pony tail bobbing and shorts too big for spindly legs

I blinked and she’s memorizing a Shel Silverstein poem and I catch myself surprised that she not only memorized the words but she’s delivering them and it’s funny

I blinked and commanding presence on the court and there is no I in team

At strange times insecure, she underestimates her gifts and diverse talents

Standing back watching her tall and graceful greeting her guests at the door, I blinked because my eyes were wet