Happy birthday to you, Daisy-Belle!

I understand that you are not apologizing to me in any way, nor do I take any offense at your confession. But if you are making peace, then there's peace made between us, and truly I hope within you.

You are braver than I am. I am nearly twice your age and I could write a list of confessions that would probably make you look away, not so much in horror at the depravity but in embarrassment for the smallness of it all. But I can't write that, or not yet.

You surprise me every time I read you with your searing honesty, humor, reflection, and deep humanity, Daisy-Belle. One day maybe I'll get used to it, but I hope not. I hope it always strikes me as amazing.

Take care.