One year. Ten years. Sixteen. Eighteen. Nineteen. I remember those significant birthdays of my daughter. But, as a friend suggested yesterday, today's number is pivotal. Not only is my daughter no longer a child, she is no longer an adolescent. She is fully an adult by numerical standards. Twenty years, she's been riding this planet as my sidekick. And if you've seen Grace and I about town, you know sidekick is an appropriate description.
Two days ago, her first ever solo art show AT Vanderbilt Kennedy Center premiered. I'll be writing more about the show, and I plan to reflect here on the role of VKC in Grace's art career, which the title of the show accurately conveys: for 20 years, she's been living and creating in color. Visiting the show yesterday brought back early memories of our relationship with the organization. But right now? Today? We'll we've got some celebrating to do.
Happy birthday, Grace Walker Goad. Thank you for coloring my life with joy for two decades. I'm holding on for what the next two will bring. I bet it's going to be mind-blowing as the last two. I love you.
