Passing It On

She has her own laugh.

Her own, unique way of showing me there is a book needing to be read.

Her own first word even, which she debuted on the day I needed it most.

(As we were sad and dismayed about the National Guard upset,

I was putting on her shoes to go out the door,

and there it was- "Bye-bye". Once, it was funny. Twice, it was cute. 

After three or four times, I realized that my daughter was talking, 

and I encourage her to say it every chance I get.)

But some things, I realize, she gets from me.

There is something awe-inspiring about that.