There I Am in You. Soft hair, blue eyes,a sweet smile, freckles dusted across that delicate nose.That deep giggle—how lucky am I to be your grandmother? How blessed to watch you grow into the sassy, self-assured young lady you’re becoming?

There I am in you

I see myself in you.
Innocent.
Brand new.
Still untouched by life’s sharp edges.
I was once like that too—
wet behind the ears,
wide-eyed and full of dreams.

But oh, how the years can harden a heart.
Bitterness crept in where hope once lived.
Sweet child, I don’t want that for you.
I don’t want heartbreak to steal your light,
or selfish people to dull your shine.

I’ll protect all I can.
From the poison in the world,
from the things no one shielded me from.

Because I see myself in you—
and I love you enough to break the cycle.