89 years young my mother is

There they were gathered in the playroom, pulling out hats and musical instruments, giggling and planning a show for Yiayia's birthday. Out they came, the granddaughters, singing and dancing, illuminated by their youthful beauty and exuberance. Confident. Lovely. Magical. Adding an exclamation point to the day!

I remember Nick and Katie doing the same thing with their cousins at Donner Lake, with Samantha and Jack in Green Bay or Hinsdale.

Young kids love putting on shows like they love drawing. Before the fear and awkwardness sets in, before they worry about how good they are. If only they (we) could always live so confidently, singing and dancing with abandon.