To Madilyn

  

I love these days, the ones slipping by so quickly. We go for walks down the street, sometimes a little farther. You have a tricycle, sand table, and playroom stuffed with toys. We spend our time cutting out paper people, reading animal stories, blowing bubbles in the yard, dancing to made up songs. Your minutes are filled making memories with me.

Soon, you will go to school. It's right down the street, but it seems so much farther. You'll have a book bag, lunch box, maybe a kindred spirit to grow up with. You'll spend your time giggling at secrets, crossing the monkey bars, passing notes in the hall, sharing candy at the movies. Your afternoons will be filled making memories with her.

Then, you may head to college. It won't be down the street, probably much farther. You'll have stacks of textbooks, lots of new perspectives, and classmates from many different places. You'll spend your time studying for exams, writing term papers, talking all night, anticipating spring break. Your semesters will be filled making memories with them.

One day, you may marry your best friend. You won't want to live down the street, but hopefully not much farther. You'll have a lovely wedding, new dishes, and hand-me-down furniture. You'll spend your time creating a home, starting traditions, setting career goals, planning the future. Your years will be filled making memories with him.

Someday, you may have your own little one. I'll wish you were just down the street, and not a mile farther. Once again, you'll have a tricycle, sand table, and playroom stuffed with toys. You'll spend your time cutting out paper people, reading animal stories, blowing bubbles in the yard, dancing to made up songs. And my heart will be filled with memories of you.