It's nearly impossible to put into words how much Hayden and I love each other. We've always had a magical relationship. A raging feminist, Hayden instilled in me a love for myself and told me that I was powerful and strong.
I cherish a book that Hayden wrote for me for my 6th birthday titled "Magic Contagious Laugh." The first part of the book gives a glimpse into how close we were, and are:
"Six years ago, I held a small, beautiful child in my arms for the first time. I wished and hoped the best for her. I wanted to give her the world. For her every wish to come true. I wanted her to feel powerful and loved. To love herself and the world around her. I wanted her to know that her voice was strong. I wanted her to be a feminist. I wanted her to be kind.
As I looked into her gentle hazel eyes, I felt immense love in a way I had never felt for someone so quickly. I traced my fingers over her soft skin, without truly understanding the impact that she would have on my life.
At that moment, if you had told me that one of my role models would be 13 years younger than I, I would not have believed you. But it is true in every way I could look up to someone. This child is one of the most positive, radiant, remarkable individuals that I have the pleasure of knowing. She enters a room, full force, sending light into every corner, her smile spreading to every face. She is truly an inspiration. She has changed my life, and I have no doubt that she will change the world.
Her laugh is magic and contagious. A wholehearted belly laugh. If I could bottle anything, it would be her laugh. It can break a silence, end an argument, a sad day. It’s impossible to look at her without feeling loved. It is powerful, peaceful and utterly beautiful.
In a world that is neither fair nor perfect, this child goes above and beyond to love and embodies positivity in every aspect of her life. She conquers hate with kindness in a way that most adults have yet to learn."
Pictured: Hayden and I during a visit during her freshman year, Fall 2017
Above: Hayden picking me up from my first day of kindergarten, Fall 2017
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