Growing Up

Sometime between the lost sleep, and tears, 

between the tickles and giggles, 

a toddler slowly disappeared. 

In her place an articulate and independent creature, 

filled with opinions, values, and voice emerged. 

Strong and stubborn, 

she knows what she wants. 

Running too fast, 

she falls unexpectedly to the ground. 

I suffocate the hush as I wait. 

Determined and driven, 

she picks herself up, 

dusting off her knees, 

holding back the tears.

Her eyes meet mine, 

as she forces a smile across her face. 

"I'm a big kid now, Mom" she says, 

reassuring both of us that she is okay. 

And when I see her run and play, 

now at four years old, 

I see that bigger kid

and I'm okay too. 

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