I watch her run, the sun following her like a spotlight.

She shines brighter than the stars that come out at night.

There are daises intertwined in her hair.

She explores the world and has no fear.

To me, she is everything I could not be.

Young, beautiful, brave and free.

When she turns to me, with wonder-filled eyes

All my despair and regrets seem to die.

She tells me, "Mommy when I'm older I want to be like you!"

I tell her she doesn't have to decide yet, there's so much to choose.

The world is laid at her fingertips, endless choices to explore.

As she continues to grow, she'll learn that life is no bore.

I tell her, "Aim for the stars, they are within your reach

For there is no limit to what you can achieve."

And when I'm old and gray, my daughter comes to me

She says, "Mom, you were right. Look what I did. See!"

When she has children of her own, to each of them she'll teach,

"Spread your wings and aim high for the world is at your feet.

Anything and everything is within your reach."