like the day

you stood on the upside-down water table

with your beloved blankie and pacifiier all dirty

a bandaid on your scraped-up foot

mosquito bites itching

an empty bug net

and a turtle with a snapped-off tail nearby

 you can’t find your shoes

your diaper is wet

 you’re tired

and your shorts are all twisted-up.

and then –

 suddenly

it is the next day

and the sun is shining

and

you have a fancy cocktail

right in front of you

with

floating fruit cut in shapes

a special bendy straw

and you are standing

at a table just your size

with your fancy red shirt on

and your smile

is as big as the universe

and

in an instant

all is well with the world

once again.

—

here’s to you, baby j, as you continue to persevere

and find your way through the world, even after the tough days.

you are a model for all of us.