to the teenager

I was a bar tender tonight. Smiling faces, kids in braces, women with cake and men that gathered around each with a story to tell, a tale of friends on a day for Izzi. "It's a girl; Yes I am sure". She was born thirteen years ago and on that night everything changed. Izzi came home a few days later and was quite a bit different from what her brother Solomon taught us about kids. She was commanding. She was sure she didn't need the schedules we put her on. She was always sure of what she wanted. She was sure that after having all the ballet rehearsals, that on opening night she would decide she was done with dance. When she was 10 years old, she decided that she was done with piano lessons. She was sure that she didn't need them anymore and that she would take guitar instead. She has proved to be right most of the time. Something that we didn't expect from her but soon came to love. She has blossomed into a beautifully sweet girl with a big heart and a soft spirit. She teaches us daily about desire and dedication. She can truly accomplish anything. I was so proud of her tonight as I watched her inter act with friends and family. She laughed and smiled and watched her brother sing her favorite song. What a view from behind the bar.