I watched from a bench as my youngest child held onto her own. The Carousel went round and round, each passing a wave and smile from me. The music, sounds, and smells of the small park were another reminder of years gone by too soon.
My baby's smile and her child's smile capture a perfect snapshot, which I will keep in my memory book to revisit one day, like so many others I hold dear. I remember her first trip to the beach, sitting in the sand with plastic buckets and tools, a kiddie pool in the backyard on hot summer days, and a miniature rake to help me with the autumn leaves.
I remember her first, everything as a father should, even when I couldn't be there. She was always in my mind and heart as I kissed her forehead, whispered, "I love you," and closed her door late into the night.
Looking at her now with her child, I see myself holding her tight as the Carousel went round and round, her smile capturing life at that moment when her heart took mine forever. Her first taste of cotton candy, holding my hand as she saw new things that made her smile and look up at me, her eyes doing the talking, telling me everything I needed to know.
As the day draws to a close, my baby girl holds onto my arm as I carry a sleeping grandchild to the car and leave the lights and sounds of the small park behind us. Until the next time.
Mike 2025
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