brave

moments after this picture of simplistic magic was taken, she wandered off and was lost for ten minutes. ten minutes of panic and holding it together and then she was found on a playground just watching other kids and smiling... saying "i was looking all over for you, mama" only she wasn't. and i wonder how to instill a bit of fear and knowledge the you need to be careful. that at three and a half you are not able to wander alone in the big wide world yet. when she thinks she can. and she wants only to do it herself. she scares me with her self assurance. later on it will serve her well, but for right now, it terrifies me because she truly believes 100% in herself, and that she can keep herself safe. but she's just three and a half. in the news the day after she wandered off... a little girl was lost. on the beach. she hasn't been found. my heart aches for her mother. my heart aches for the little girl. my heart aches for my girl who wants to be big and brave, and my heart aches to keep her safe.