my granddaughter at her swim meet

i’ve watched her grow in strength and speed

my niece in her rowing regatta

i’ve watched her grow confident in trying new things

my good friend’s son on the keys in a jazz trio at an art fair

i’ve watched him grow to find his gift and proudly share it with others

—

each has worked very hard

all have grown as people

in so many ways

what a thrill to see them 

stepping out into the world

exactly as they are

i could not be prouder.

—

‘you get whatever accomplishment you are willing to declare.’

-georgia o’keeffe