this girl

We're kicking a soccer (err, foot) ball around the yard. I've known this girl for barely a week.. and already I know she's one of the strongest kids ever. My arms are tired. It's been 20 minutes of this. Me holding her, her kicking this ball round and round, laughing and laughing. I have a lot to learn. This girl, she's strong.

She's sitting in her stroller during school. And I hold the blue block in one hand and the green in the other. "Which one is blue, Debra?" her fist points. Flashcards scattered, "Is this the letter S?" her head bobs. She's always right. This girl, she's smart.

(photo credit- Josey Hammond)

The drum pounds and little feet dance and heads shake. And we're sitting there on the couch. "Do you want to dance?" Laughter and giggles and swinging. I want to stop. I'm hot and sweaty and exhausted. And this girl, she won't stop, she's determined. 

Feet flat on the ground, she stands. Her hands grasping mine. Loud squeals and big smiles. Closing my eyes, I imagine the day she'll take her first step. And you might think that's not going to happen, but I think different. Because this girl, she's persistent.

Tiny feet stepping on her little fingers, questions asked and waiting for headshakes of yes or no, frustration and yelling, excited squeals and shouts. She can't speak, but she's found a way to communicate. And I don't always get it right and I don't always understand. But I'm thankful that this girl, she's patient.

Laying in bed, brown eyes gazing into mine. "Do I get a goodnight kiss tonight?" There's an all-to-familiar, mischievous glint in those eyes. Head shakes no. "What??" Smile grows wider. "I think.. sniff.. I'm going.. sniff.. to cry now." Her uncontrollable laughter erupts. This girl, she's got a sense of humor.

This girl, she never stops teaching me. She's got a determination and strength and joy and spunk I admire and desire. This blog post doesn't do her spirit and strength and personality justice, until you meet her, you will never completely grasp that. This girl, she's fearfully and wonderfully made; she's precious. When I grow up, I want to be just like this girl.