Unawakened

Since my daughter was born, I’ve noticed that the animals in our house, whether the cat or the dog, seem to have a special affection for her. Compared to how they interact with adults, they are always more gentle with her, and she is naturally drawn to them. Could it be that a child’s innocence can resonate with the natural world in a way that adults no longer can? As people grow older, it feels as if they drift farther away from their true nature. That’s why I both look forward to my daughter growing up, yet I fear it. I fear that as she grows older and starts to remember things, and eventually faces the endless pursuit of academic and career goals, the pure light in her eyes will slowly fade away. The memories of childhood are always hazy, like a dream. Yet only the light in those eyes remains pure. I want to capture this dream before she starts calling me “Dad” instead of “Daddy.” I am grateful for my child, because it’s through you that I have been able to reconnect with the dreams of my lost childhood memories.