Braylen never ceases to amaze us. Even in some of the best and worse situations her little light shines and we begin to realize even more that she truly is a gift from God. If you know Braylen, you know she is extremely shy when she's around people she's not quite comfortable with. Once she has warmed up... well there's no stopping her from asking questions or entertaining you with her 'knock knock' jokes that aren't quite funny yet because she is learning how to tell jokes then it's funny it's own way.
These past few weeks my husband and I witness Braylen's socialization growth. She is now introducing herself to others and telling funny stories or recounting what happened in her world "yesterday."
Last week we witnessed in "awe" as Braylen stood in her uncle's wedding as a flower girl. Hubby and I were a little nervous because we weren't sure what to expect. Would she cry and say that she didn't want to walk down the aisle? Would she see us and make a bee line to where we were sitting? Would there be a meltdown and cry fest? All these things ran circles in our heads over and over again as we anticipated the start of the wedding. As "Brown Skin Girl" played in the background, our sweet 3 year old made her way down the aisle with other beautiful flower girl waving at the guests in between tossing rose petals down the aisle. We were so proud. Hours later this same "shy" girl took to the dance floor and danced like no one was watching. Such a free spirit, caring less about who was watching her and who was dancing with her.
I don't know if we will ever get that moment back. I don't even know if that spontaneity can even be replicated. What I do know is this little girl has taught me to enjoy life. Enjoy time with the ones we love. Enjoy music and the peace it brings as well as simply ceasing the day.
In the words of my dear friend Willie Nelson, III "Celebrate Life! You only get one of them!"
Thank you Mr and Mrs. Damien and Kearsen Seabrook for creating this moment for us to celebrate!
