Brielle's First Year

Unexpected you came into my life - a longed for wish that I had nearly given up on.  You changed everything.  You in black and white, a new heart beating on screen.  Mine.  You are my second daughter.  I know a thing or two about being a second daughter.  I hope you know I expect you to be nothing but yourself.  To love who you are, not in spite of how different you may be from your older sister, but because of your unique strengths that come with being different.  Already you are full of love.  Hugging sister when she is sad.  Patting my arm as you lean into my chest.  Lighting up when Dad walks through the door, arms outstretched to him, ready to be held.  I hope you never lose the guileless way you love without fear.  Few people retain the ability to love without holding anything back.  At night when I hold you when everyone else is sleeping the clarity and focus you bring to my life is like a razor's edge.  The complications of everyday melt away as your features turn soft in sleep.  All there is is your warm trusting body in my arms, your precious trusting soul in my care...it seems an overwhelming responsibility.  And yet here you are, a testament to hope, a banner for all the good in this world, brightness in an uncertain future.