Here is the message Piper left on our answering machine today, in the littlest, sweetest, heart-breakingest voice:
“Tee Tee, this is Piper. My toof came out …. annnd …. tell me if you would like me to come to your house …… annnd ….. gank you for the messages ….. annnd ….. I’m so es-cited ….. annnd …. my bigger toof came into my mouf …. so I like to be gwown up, like a teenager.”
Oh, little Pipey. You’re only 5. Don’t say that word! Don’t be that word, EVER! How do you even know that word?? How can I even imagine you as that word?? You take your little speech class and still have words you don’t say too well, so how can you even KNOW such a vexing and fickle word?
Just be the little girl who’s open and wild and dramatic and kind and soft and tender and who still fits snugly in my lap. The little girl who thaws the cold and hardened places of my heart. The little girl whose golden smile — not the sun — lights up this silly weary old world.
Just be that. I can’t bear it otherwise. Just be that always.
Two of the toughest things in life to accept, Tracey: (1) Everybody dies. (2) Those who don’t die young grow up. Good reasons to cherish, each day, every person you love.
Got it.
I love that she calls you “tee tee”.
This is heart-crackingly cute.
she must stay little. they all must, right? did someone think that about ME once? how heartbreaking for them.
your post makes me smile AND tear up.
I know, AS. Now that you’re a mom, it must be that much more intense, that feeling. Oh, it makes my heart hurt.
How adorable that little Piper?!!
I love Piper. Thank you for sharing her with us.
Sal — Oh, I love her, too! So much! Thank you.