Frankie's 4

You have so many friends. When I was your age we lived far out in the country, so seeing a friend was a rare treat. Now, when we walk down the block we are likely to run into more people that know you, than know us. It makes me proud that so many people are happy to see you. Being someone that people like to spend time with is one of the best things a person can be.

Many times this year we have told you we are going to see a friend or go somewhere and you will ask, "Right now? Or not right now?" For you, this is Time. Something is either happening in the present moment, or it can be safely ignored. This year you have truly given me the gift of "Right now? Or not right now?"

You see, I'm a worrier. Whatever creative faculties I may have been gifted often simply go into generating something to worry about. I have repeated your mantra to myself a lot this year when I was getting worked up about events that may never happen. As a parent some things will happen though. And whether they are happening right now, or not right now, takes on new significance.

Have you stopped crawling into bed with me in the morning? Not right now. Do you sometimes want me to keep my distance when you're playing with your friends? Right now. Has buying you a treat when you're mad at me stopped working? Not right now.

As you get older, more not-right-nows, will become right-nows. That's ok, it means we've done our job, but it also means I need to be present with you now as much as I can. When you crawl on to me in the mornings, I make sure to squeeze you a little tighter, kiss your head, and try my best to imprint your weight and how it feels as your breath rises and falls on to my memory.

Last year, I wrote about how I wondered, maybe even worried, about what type of person you might become. Now, I don't worry about that at all. I see your way, your confidence and your curiosity, and I know you're going to be an interesting person that cuts her own path through life. But I hope you stay focused on Right Now, for as long as you can. Right now is truly all there is. This is it.

Love,

Dad