Beautiful Dancer

Riley has what they call gravitational insecurities. She is very off-balance. The playground is stressful for her because she’s always afraid another kid will knock into her, making her fall off the equipment. Her gait is a little awkward. She has a tic in her arms that flairs up most when she is excited. At this point in her life, none of this matters to her one bit. She is sure of her beauty and beautiful she is…..

“Mommy do you want to see my graceful moves?”

She takes off across the hardwood floors, leaping and twirling to the classical music coming from the little boom box on the shelf. Raising her hands, joining them over her head, she twirls and twirls, eyes closed. She bends and poses, then off again, leaping through the air, her long brown hair twirling around her, and falling again as she changes directions. Every so often she checks to see if I’m looking and smiles at the fact that I still am.

Seth says, “ Riley…you’re stomping, and stomping isn’t graceful.”

Not offended one bit, she ignores him, but does lighten her step a tad. She takes her time finishing up her dance and when she does she spins over to me, landing in my lap on the chair.

Big brown eyes look up at me and she says, “Mommy, will you dream about my dancing tonight?”

I’ll dream about it forever, Riley. I’ve never received a more beautiful gift.