Olivia's Eyes

We had the pleasure of attending Olivia’s birthday party… an afternoon filled with joy and laughter and fun… Olivia is our grand niece and on this birthday…she turned 1. At Olivia’s birthday party…for me…the biggest prize… was the chance to view the world…for a moment…through Olivia’s eyes. As Olivia’s eyes looked out at all those gathered…a uniquely wonderful blend …she saw a wide variety of people she’ll soon know as family and friends I saw those people’s smiles…their laughter and their sighs… I saw their joy…and I saw their love…reflected in Olivia’s eyes. I saw her innocence and joy…I saw her confusion, her wonder and surprise… I even saw a few tears flow out from Olivia’s eyes. As I gazed into Olivia’s eyes I realized this is how life is supposed to be…surrounded by people who love you…in a world more innocent and free…. I remembered a time when my world was small and comfortable…like Olivia’s when the only eyes I could see…were my mom’s and dad’s and my friends and family…holding on to me. I imagine we all left her party with our own feelings of joy…of wonder and surprise… having been blessed, at least for a moment, to see the world through Olivia’s eyes Hoping what we saw in Olivia’s eyes that day… will somehow see us through… until we gather together again next year… when Olivia turns 2.