I once knew a little girl.
I look in the mirror and I don’t see her anymore.
She has been replaced by a thirty-something woman, that is slightly taller, with short hair.

I remember that little girl, who was so scared of everything and everyone.
Of course, she had reason to be.

She was too scared to talk about her dreams.
Her voice was not heard by many.
She saw many things that little girls should never see.
She still remembers some of those things; but because of God, those things don’t have power over her.

Sometimes I hear her laughing.
I see her.
She can be so silly at times; but it doesn’t bother me.
I know that joyful moments mean a lot to her.
Impatient people think, “She just needs to grow up!”

When I see my husband, I smile; my heart beats fast and I remember that little girl.
All she ever wanted was a boyfriend, a dog and sliding glass doors.
I’d like to tell her that a husband that loves God and loves you is so much better than all those things.

I’d also like to tell her that there are some special people out there.
People you can tell secrets to.
People you can share your dreams with.

I’d like to tell her, that even though she’s been afraid to pursue her dreams, it’s not too late.

I’ll be sure to tell her that.
The next time I see her.

Mechelle Ritchie Foster  (February 15, 2009)