Eleven

Yes, you are eleven now, Happy birthday Maya!
love, Dad

Happy Ever After

I remember when you liked playing with the camera and would say "hands dad” so that I would take a picture of our hands to see who had bigger hands, you insisted on having me take a few pictures of just our hands together. That was memorable. I remember our long walks in the forest and you got tired and stopped as we walked ahead of you. I could not help but walk back and pick you up and carry you along the way. The donkey ride by the beach was a special occasion. We had Ice cream at an old 50’s dinner. You loved it. I remember the time we went to see an old castle nearby and our photo was going to be taken and you said: “Sit down” so we could be sitting by each other, it made me feel warm inside knowing that you cared.

I remember the bike rides I took with you on the back seat holding on around my tummy, you were chuckling all the way. I remember we had some fun adventures in that old city and you didn’t want to carry on so I pretended to go on without you and you grinned ear to ear and waved goodbye knowing I would not leave. I remember you running towards me with open arms and giving me I tight hug as I sat calling you to come over to me. I remember standing in front of the tower and holding you in my arms while you laughed so hard as we bounced around on the lawn.

I remember the early evening when we were playing in the back yard and I faked being so tired that I couldn’t walk anymore, you tugged on my hand and I played along making you think you were the one who was actually moving me. I’d pretend that your hand would slip out of my grip and fall back as you would hurry to try keeping me standing. You laughed and laughed, we were so happy together. And then the day before I left as we walked around the farm you kept saying “your pocket” as I was wearing a thick coat with large pockets. This was an indication that you had something to give me and you wanted them in my pocket.

I remember when I was walking towards my exit gate I found the little stones you had put in my pocket the day before, I smiled as I touched them while warming my hands. You probably forgot all these little tidbits of your youth by now. After all, it has been eight years. You are growing up fast and learning about life the way you would have wanted it. You like to draw as do I and are moody at times. You don’t eat much and are picky with your food, it’s ok, I was just like that.

I remember, you were born today and will always be my darling daughter. Happy Birthday my dear Maya and live happy ever after.