I've also mentioned my twins recently because they are new to our family and the moments we have experienced with them are more easily processed through writing. But now I want to talk about a very special young woman in my life....my Noodle.
On April 11, 2005 at 8:28am, Jeff and I heard the first cries (let's face it, screams) of our second child and first baby girl. Addison Rae screamed her way into existence, and to be honest, she hasn't stopped since.
I remember thinking in the early years of Addison's life that she couldn't have come from the same two people as her big brother, Logan. He'd been so quiet, so observant. He processed everything before speaking, even at a very young age. And somehow we now had this spitfire of a little girl, ready to pounce on any situation put before her.
She hasn't changed in that way. But, her focus has changed over the years as she has grown and become a young woman. I love watching her navigate life. I know I'm simply a lucky spectator, and that her successes and failures have very little to do with me, and everything to do with her soul path. But, still, I'm honored. I'm honored by her grace and beauty. I'm honored by her passion and fire. I'm honored by her presence in my life.
Addi girl is a worker. and not being the most gifted player on any of her sports teams never stops her. She is driven and determined and earns every minute she plays. She shows such character and maturity in the sports arena. When her teams lose to one more deserving of a win, she acknowledges that with grace and humility. She even congratulates them! I'm not sure I had that kind of selfless attitude at the age of 14.
She is fiercely protective of the rights of others, whether she knows you or not. Jeff recently explained to someone that when presented with a controversial situation, Logan would likely consider the topic, decide for himself where he falls, and quietly leave the conversation, knowing that he is completely comfortable in his own understanding. But...hell hath no fury like our girl when presented with anything she deems a social injustice. I've never seen a more passionate teenager in my life. Luckily, with age has come beautiful compassion as well. She is not quiet, but she will hold your hand while she screams :)
Recently Addison was presented with a new role. She is big sister to two people who don't look like her, don't speak the way she does, and certainly don't share her world views. But the grace and poise and unconditional love with which this young woman has embraced these two girls is awe-inspiring. She has fervently learned as much Haitian creole as possible in the last two weeks, and her immediate grasp of the language makes me jealous!! Now I'm able to actually send her a message when I'm not with them and she can translate what I'm needing to say to them. But you know what makes me the most proud? It's not her ability to learn the language. It's that she didn't ask them to learn hers. She didn't assume that "because they're here they should speak her language." She encourages them and is their biggest cheerleader when they learn something new in English, but she embraces their culture, their language as her own as well.
The girls are so comfortable with her, and in fact, for the first time in their 11 years of life, they separated for about 2 hours. One went home with me while the other stayed with Addison. I don't know that she could ever possibly comprehend what that meant as far as their ability to trust her in that moment. She squashed years of uncertainty for them with her gentle, kind spirit.
I'm so fortunate to get to watch this baby girl grow. I'll never take that for granted. She may very well do big things with her life. But for me, she already has. So, keep screaming, Noodle! I, for one, am certain that you will give us something worth hearing.
