i’ve got a million pictures just like this.  well, maybe not *a million*, but a lot.  i’ve got more pictures of this than i do of her eyelashes…and you know i love taking pictures of her eyelashes.  but this one, and the million just like it, are the ones i treasure most. the ones that remind me that we are happy.  we are filled with joy.  we literally roll around in fits of laughter sometimes.  often.  most every day, actually.

 i sometimes feel so heavy inside, like i’m trying so hard to find my way out of a poorly-lit space (no worries.  i’m medicated..it’s ok).  but this child has an absolutely infectious joy, a big giant laugh and a gentle spirit that creeps up next to all the negatives and questions in my soul and whispers “this is what it’s all about.  this is what’s real.”  i’m grateful for that every day.