Sunrises

July 1, 2012

Teddy was trying to tell me something, but I couldn't understand him while he was eating cake. 
"You shouldn't talk with you mouth full, Teddy." Barbie agreed.
"Wash it down with some of your delicious tea you made for the party." Teddy agreed. Everyone is always so cooperative at my tea parties. Teddy sipped some of his home brewed white tea, opened his mouth(which was now clear of food) and before he could speak a giant hand came from the heavens. Donning a shiny band of metal, which sparkled as it descended gently on to my back. It was Daddy's hand! I could also hear his voice.... whispering my name. "Maritza." the whispers began to get  louder. "Maritza....
I opened my eyes to see  Daddy standing next to my bed. "Good morning, Daddy"
"Shhh, Good morning, baby It's not morning, just yet."
"It's not?"
"No. Here, put your jacket on."
"Where are we going, Daddy?"
"I want to show you something"
"What is it Daddy?"
"It's one of Daddy's favorite things."
"What about Alyssia?"
"She's not alone. Let her sleep."

"OK, Daddy."
Daddy carried me to the van like he does most mornings. This didn't feel like most mornings. As we exited the back door to our house I knew it was still bedtime. It was dark out and when it's dark out, it's bedtime. Daddy placed me in our van and buckled me in. Usually, I argue to put my seatbelt on and close the door myself, but it was to early for that.
"Are you ready, Maritza?"
"Yes, Daddy" We drove for just a few minutes. I didn't see an other vehicles on the road but us. I loved it. It was just me and my Daddy. We arrived at our destination, when Daddy pulled the van over and parked.  He unbuckled his seat belt and patted the front passenger seat.
"Come, sit up here baby"
"In the front, Daddy?"
"Yes, Maritza."
"We're not leaving the van?
"We are, but not at the moment. Take a look"

 "I don't see anything, Daddy" 

"Over there by the orange light"

"I see it."
"What is it?"

"It's what I wanted to show you, the sunrise. ready to go?"

"What's a sunrise, Daddy? 

"It's when the sun Chases away the dark and brightens the sky every morning." 

"Like when the sun wakes us up in the morning. lets go, Daddy." Daddy walked around the van opened my door and lifted me out. Daddy carried me close to him while my head lay on his shoulder. It was a little chilly out so, I cuddled him a little closer to keep warm. Daddy found the perfect spot to lay down the towel he brought, so we can sit. we should of brought chairs. Next time. It was a beautiful morning. We sat there, just me and my Daddy. No Alyssia. Not that I didn't want her here. I want these one on one moments with Daddy, too.  I looked up and asked "Why does the sun go away and come back everyday?"

 Daddy pointed in that direction and said "You can't have one thing in life without the other, You couldn't enjoy the light if it wasn't for the dark. You couldn't enjoy the dark if there was no way to turn the light back on."

"That way, I don't get scared of the dark, Daddy"

"That's right, Maritza. Now lets watch the day begin"
Daddy pulled me in closer as we watched the world get brighter. I wanted anxiously for it. I think I see it!

 

There it was!! The sun crept from behind the horizon. I looked over at Daddy. He had a look of a child as his eyes widened gazing into the sky. I loved it! It was so incredible. Daddy pointed out the clouds as they changed colors. I never saw this before in my life! The sky was blue, then orange, then red, then yellow. Beautiful. "Thank you, Daddy."

 

"No. Thank you Maritza." Daddy picked me up held me close. We were making our way back to our van, Daddy said to me "It's the little things in life that mean the most. We take them for granted because of their size. It doesn't take to much effort to enjoy them."

"Are we your little things in life, Daddy?"

Daddy thought about it. Smiled and said. "Yes you are, Maritza. You and Alyssia are my "little things" in life that mean so much"

"I love you, Daddy"

"I love you more, Maritza"

"Can we bring Alyssia next time."

"Definitely"