It was November 26th 50 years ago, I recall

This cute
little girl
is 50
years old
tomorrow.
November 26th.





It seems so long ago. I was 11 years old when she was born. Her other brother was 5. It was different to grow up in a family with that many years between us. This age gap meant that I was a teenager when this little girl was old enough to be the daily center of attention and know that she was. It probably left her closer to her other brother in those early years and for a lot of years. Both of them were willing to be held and I remember their warmth and trust. I remember little things that would happen and I would wind up as a place where she could be safe. It was easy to be the protector of the innocent one. It was easy to see how cute a "little girl" was. Little girls melt fathers hearts I would later learn. Little girls are what is inside of a good wife, companion and friend. Mothers really never get past being little girls in their hearts I found. I remember little of my grandmothers but I do remember the goodness of my Grandmother Warren. My granddaughter brings all of these little girls into focus for me at times. I particularly like the picture above. Wide eyed. Innocent, but ready to go. Completely at home as she stands for the picture. My assumption is that she will celebrate this passing into another decade with friends and family. Friends and family will find a black balloon and it will be part of a change of focus to what will seem like a more seasoned time.
*
My sister is the only person left from the family that I grew up with. We both share this reality. Of course we have extended family and our own family and companions but we grew up with the same parents. What may seem like a "more seasoned time" or something very different as we add years may be just that we look at the same things we always have, but differently. In my sister I see my mother and my father as well as my brother. Often I see the best of all of them. Rather than being there for her I find that she is there for me.
*
Happy Birthday Trudy.