It is a bright sunny morning. It is a very special day. The distance between our bedrooms was shorter then, and I could her happy squeals. I jumped out of bed and grabbed the helium balloons; primary colors, I recall—bright red and yellow, green and blue.

I opened the door wide and started singing … Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday to you, Happy birthday baby Natalie … Happy birthday to you!

There she stood holding on to the sides of her crib jumping up and down in her pink footie pajamas with the biggest, happiest smile—a mother’s pure delight. She had chipmunk cheeks then; all babies do at that age. It only adds to their pure and innocent charm. She is one-year old today.

I grab her under her arms and easily lift her out of her crib. I spin her around her room and sing her favorite song from her most beloved movie at the time, “The Lion King”: Hakuna Matata! What a wonderful phrase Hakuna Matata! Ain't no passing craze. It means no worries for the rest of your days. It's our problem-free philosophy. Hakuna Matata!

That’s the way it was back then—no worries. There were many years in front of us.
She is 16 years old this week, and now she wants a car instead of songs and balloons! Now, worry is a frequent companion. Now, she lifts me up. But she remains, still, my purest and happiest image.

By: LeeAnn
Hometown: Pittsburgh