Her First Ballet class

Yup. I let go. And so did she. And I watched excitedly, heart all throbbing in my throat as my little blonde one walked across the cold concrete floor, all shy and smirky. Turning back for my approval, my thumbs-up, my silent clapping charade and mouthing of words she didn't understand. Things like It's Okay. Go On. And I love you.



My girl did so good.




At one point, the teacher called the girls together. "Hold hands," she said, nodding down at Rylee "She's not gonna do it," I thought. And I waited. I saw the studio owner peek in the glass, anticipating what followed as much as I was. I watched as my girl stretched her arm out, grasped hands with the little to her side and

completed the circle.

And I sighed relief and took it in. And wavered between cheeks aching from smiling so much and eyes pooling with tears. I was so proud.

Through the glass, I watched her be a girl. A proud, dancing little girl.