Birthday

Twenty five years ago I gave birth to my first daughter, Jessica. She was little, 6#3oz, and perfect. She was such a good baby, sleeping through the night nearly from day one, hardly ever crying, definitely not a fussy baby. In my mind's eye, I can see her about age 4 or 5, dressed up, sitting on the sofa next to her brother and the two of them holding the littlelest one. I can see her drinking from the outdoor water spout in the summer time, or sledding down the hill or making snowmen with her dad. I see her as a teenager, long blonde hair, her smile, her laughter, the movement toward independence and being her own person. I remember how angry I could be at her, and now wish I could do some things over. Happy birthday Jessica. You will always be 17 to me. I love you!