Baby

Ever pay attention to the way a child walks for the first time?

His legs so far apart, knees buckling uncontrollably, struggling to keep his arms by his sides, stomach out, eyes sneaking looks at his chubby feet with both fear and amazement, moving both cautiously and quickly, trying so hard not to fall.

It truly is a beautiful sight.

As he takes another step forward, his knees unexpectedly lock. He loses his balance, frantically moves his arms forward to keep himself from falling backward, then, miraculously manages to unlock his knees.

He falls gracelessly into a familiar crawling position, his chubby hands and feet cushion his landing. He isn’t hurt. He doesn’t cry. He opens his mouth into a wide, toothless grin. His eyes shimmer in glee. He laughs.

Innocent.

Amazed.

Happy.

A true moment of self-discovery.

His astonishment.

His struggle.

His joy.

For the first time it was something of his own.