First Stand

Luna Taina was about 9 months old when she first held herself up without help.  This was a magical feat to witness.  She was in her playpen and in the mood to play, so I stood her up and placed her hands on the sides of the playpen. Then I let go.   She fell down a few times and once she even fell backwards, straight legged like a board, but she did not cry. She tried and tried again, until she was able to hold herself upright.

The jubilation in her face and her laughter was contagious. This was the first time I witnessed her proud of herself.  It was the most beautiful thing I ever saw.  I will never forget her beaming smile or her triumphant calls of joy.  She held herself for a good 2 minutes until she let go, satisfied.  In that first moment, she taught me the true meaning of success!

Now, a month shy of her first birthday, she can lift herself up, walk around the playpen and is currently planning her escape.  I expect her to walk very soon because the look in her eyes are of fixed determination.  Luna already knows her reach is limitless.  She is not a quitter and I am hoping that she continues to be true to herself when reaching for her goals.  My deepest wish is for her to never let go of her dreams until she is satisfied, and to revel in the moment when she does extend her reach a little more.