I crouch down with my arms outstretched, a smile illuminates her face and a little chuckle escapes her mouth. She comes running towards me with her arms at shoulder height to help her balance as she’s new to this game, her legs wobble a bit, learning how to accommodate the changes in the terrain at the same time as moving. Part way towards me she pauses for a bit to pat the grass at the side of the path, she giggles at the sensation of the feathery grass on her hands. Then looks over towards the paddock and says ‘orse’, her miniature lips carefully forming themselves around the word. Moving towards me again she takes the time to spin round in a circle, then claps her hands over her mouth as she says ‘Oo’ with the excitement of her new found ability. As she reaches me she raises her arms and says ‘Up’, the little 2 letter word radiating joy and laughter. I pick her up and she snuggles her head into my neck, trying to squirm the rest of her body into the space between my shoulder and ear, arms wrapped tightly around my shoulders. Her small cuddly body, fill me with love and happiness just by her nearness. Her inquisitiveness and innocence shines light on the world, encouraging excitement and enjoyment of the environment around us. Everwhere she goes her little being charms smiles from those she sees, old or young, causing people to pause a moment, smiles creeping slowly over their faces as their cares are forgotten for a moment while they look at the world through her eyes. Beautiful bright shining eyes that embrace you with a glance, sometimes mischievous, sometimes seeking comfort. Perfect eyes reflected by her name.
