I’m Melting!

Well, I know I told you that I had lots of “Hurricane Ike” stories to share, but let me just level with you. I haven’t been in the mood to write them all down. I’ve thought about it almost every day, but somehow I just haven’t been able to put everything into words for you. There is still a possibility that I will do it in the future. But, for right now, I have another story to tell you! Are you ready for it? It’s a good one!!
Okay, if you know me personally, or if you’ve read much of my blog, you know that I have a 1 and a half year old niece named Ashlynne. It’s difficult to describe the depth of my love for that baby. Just thinking about her brings a smile to my face. I’ve really enjoyed watching her grow and change over the last year. She is a bundle of love and energy. She’s quickly learning new words, and every time we see her, she has added several new things to her vocabulary! She and I are almost the same height, which I think is really fun! (I’ve still got a couple of inches on her, but it won’t be long before she catches up to me!) There is something so magical about being eye-to-eye with a 1 year old. I feel like I have an incredible privilege. I am so lucky to be a part of her world! Average sized adults will sometimes sit on the floor so they can interact with a baby, but when they stand up again, they re-enter the world of the giants! But for me, I will always be welcomed into the baby world, because God has given me this precious gift of being 3 feet tall! My hope is that I can be a bridge between the two generations.
All right, now that I went down that little bunny trail, let’s get back to my story. I just can’t wait to tell you this! About a week ago, we went to my brother’s house. My mom got out of the car first, and Ashlynne, who was playing in the front yard, ran to her and gave her a hug. I got out of the car shortly thereafter, and began walking in their direction. When Ashlynne saw me coming, she started waving frantically. Her face lit up and she shouted:
“Joo-Wee!!”
This was, in fact, the very first time that she had ever said my name!! My heart instantly melted into a puddle of liquid love, and I ran as fast as I could into her outstretched little arms. For as long as I live, I will never forget that moment.