On a day like today

Dear M,

You are a few days shy of 22 months old. What a joy you were this weekend. I love snuggling with you, reading books, playing with puzzles, splashing in the tub.

This is one of those days I'm writing for when you hopefully read this as an adult. Today, April 16, 2007, marks one of the bloodiest shooting rampages in American history. At the same time, the weekend death toll in Iraq hit it's highest-ever point. In a smaller story close to my heart, a Bengal tiger, after heroic measures by many involved, died.

As I walked downtown on this gorgeous spring day, the warm breeze full of life, I thought about how I hope you're not afraid of life, people, adventure. I want you to know the joy of diving into the world, even though bad things sometimes happen.

How do I teach about the world, let you see all it's beauty and sorrow, and not rob you of hope? Large portions of the bee population the world over are vanishing. Some think it's a horrible sign of things to come.

How do I look into your beautiful, serene face and teach you to be wise, compassionate, aware, but also full of hope? How do I help you to understand the world, but know that there is always hope, even if it's tucked away in a tiny corner somewhere?

I wish I could protect you, but I won't rob you of life, experience. I know this is a prayer mothers and fathers have prayed before, please, Spirits, let the world be a little better for my son, for everyone's son, everyone's daughter.

On a day like today, M, you must remember that you are a light in this world. You choose what you bring to this place full of so many conflicting things. You are a light in this world and, even on a day when I wish I could protect you from it's darkness, I know the world is a better place with you in it.

Love,

Mommy