Today they are testing the fire alarms in our building, so I am driving Daughter in the car for her nap. The sunshine lights up the trees in brilliant reds and golds. The road is smooth, turns are effortless. The rear view mirror frames Daughter’s round little face, turned to one side, with her closed eyes and sleepy pout.
I think about the weight of the life that I’m holding in my hands as I drive her around. Her dependence on me feels heavy, but it’s a weight I can handle, one I’m happy to carry. I’m glad to do this for her, and to have this moment of quiet with nothing else to do but watch the smooth lines of the road and glimpse the trees from time to time.