Pictures have always fascinated me. They can hold so much—memories, stories, feelings, a lifetime—and each of us look to find our own meaning in it all.
You're probably wondering what this picture means to me. It may seem like a simple answer. Three little girls. They sit outside their country home, decorated like innocent play dolls just as Mother wanted. The oldest looks over her sisters, sure the usual mischief will start. The middle child, conveniently placed in the center, innocently looks for approval. And the youngest, ever-independent, laughs knowingly as the shoes once again come off.
Somehow, a single moment in time, was able to capture an entire childhood. Beneath this momentary glimpse lies the story of their lives and the paths that guided them.
You're probably wondering what this picture means to me. It may seem like a simple answer. Three little girls. They sit outside their country home, decorated like innocent play dolls just as Mother wanted. The oldest looks over her sisters, sure the usual mischief will start. The middle child, conveniently placed in the center, innocently looks for approval. And the youngest, ever-independent, laughs knowingly as the shoes once again come off.
Somehow, a single moment in time, was able to capture an entire childhood. Beneath this momentary glimpse lies the story of their lives and the paths that guided them.
 This is me. |  My life is impacted by them. |
Life is all about the relationships we have and our interconnectedness. Laura, the oldest, taught me how to tie my shoes, write to Santa Claus, kick a soccer ball, and never settle for anything. Liz, the middle one, was my compliant playmate and sidekick, always agreeing to do whatever weird thing I had planned for us. Being the youngest, I wasn't always the easiest, as shown by this picture.
You see, I came into this world dead set on hating dresses, and it was my mother's only request that day. "Kit, it won't be for very long. It would mean so much to your grandparents if they had a picture of you in your dress." I remember her pawning the desire off on others, but I knew my mother. She was the one who wanted the picture of us in our dresses. I knew because she said I could have two extra Flintstones vitamins that morning. That was the sign of a special day.
As always, the bribery worked. I would put on her dress and sit on that blanket as she told me to, but I was going to have her know that she couldn't fully break me. If she was going to get her "three-angel-girls picture," I was going to ruin it by taking off my shoes. It was my "quiet" stand.
This story extends beyond that simple autumn day. My story is about learning from others, leaning on them when I need to, but always pushing the limit. I'll always look at this picture and be reminded of three things:
You see, I came into this world dead set on hating dresses, and it was my mother's only request that day. "Kit, it won't be for very long. It would mean so much to your grandparents if they had a picture of you in your dress." I remember her pawning the desire off on others, but I knew my mother. She was the one who wanted the picture of us in our dresses. I knew because she said I could have two extra Flintstones vitamins that morning. That was the sign of a special day.
As always, the bribery worked. I would put on her dress and sit on that blanket as she told me to, but I was going to have her know that she couldn't fully break me. If she was going to get her "three-angel-girls picture," I was going to ruin it by taking off my shoes. It was my "quiet" stand.
This story extends beyond that simple autumn day. My story is about learning from others, leaning on them when I need to, but always pushing the limit. I'll always look at this picture and be reminded of three things:
- Even if it is done quietly, I should never shy away from my individuality, especially if Flintstones vitamins are on the line.
- I am a person created by many. The impact of others have sculpted me, and I wouldn't trade their sets of hands for anything.
- My sisters may have taught me how to tie my shoes, but I showed them how to take them off.
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