A photograph of three-year-old May stares back at me as I sit in my living room in Florida; more than a thousand miles from the location depicted in the photo. In these days of capturing images on cell phones, images that rarely make their way to print, I have come to greatly appreciate the many framed photos that exist throughout the house. They serve to bring to mind some of the happiest moments in my life,  moments that I was fortunate to spend with my granddaughters during a time of their lives when the world and all its magic was theirs to discover.

While I look at the photo, I am once again transported to the day it was taken. It was a beautiful late summer’s day with a clear blue sky accompanied by a cool, gentle breeze. May’s sister, Eloise, had recently been born and suddenly, after three years of being an only child, May had to share her mother’s time.  Sensing May’s need for attention, my husband and I took her down to the beach for a kite flying adventure. The glow on May’s face and her wide smile of amazement as she firmly grasped the strings of her high-soaring kite could never be recaptured in words as well as the photo staring back at me today.

Now, May is a young woman, soon to be off to college. As I think back to her developmental years, I think about how the many paths she took along her road to this juncture in life have led to her growth in independence and self-confidence. Like any young adult enmeshed in the tumultuous years of peer and academic pressure, May often experienced moments when she had to decide which path to take. Once chosen, she had to navigate her way through any obstacles that might come her way. Fortunately, May had an excellent GPS to mark her route; the support and love of her family.

As I write this, I naturally think back over the many years that I have been a part of May’s life. I see her measuring ingredients and proudly making pancakes by my side. I see her jumping on the trampoline in the basement of our Cape Cod home, giggling out loud. I see her and her sister, Eloise, leaping into the huge piles of leaves raked by them on a crisp fall day. I see her dropping her book and running to greet her grandfather and me when we surprised her with an unexpected visit during COVID. And I see the depth of her compassion when she sat by my side and silently shared my grief over the death of a dear friend. All of these moments will remain close to my heart for they served to define the thoughtful and caring young woman that May is today.

Yes, May is ready to travel the road through the college years. May she continue to experience the sense of pride in achievement and the excitement of discovery that marked her path until now. Thank you, May, for the love-filled memories. I look forward to more to come.