My Niece and My Mother's Voice

Today is one of my nieces birthday. I believe I was 10 years old when she was born. Jannell was a real life doll baby and one of those tiny little souls anyone would love with a quiet, compliant and sweet personality.

The bicycle in the photo above is the one I rode for most of my childhood. It wasn't in style then either, but I have many fun memories zipping up and down the hills of dirt and gravel all around my home. It was mostly sky blue with white stripes and quite a bit of rust. I loved this bicycle. In 2000 when Daddy sold the home in which I grew up, it was very important to me to make sure I got this bicycle. Since I've had it, it has continued to rust and now I don't believe there is any blue left on it. I know, that's sad isn't it?

I would put a towel and pillow in the basket for "padding" and sit Jannell down in the pile of fluff. She would hang on for dear life as we rode along with the wind in our hair and the dust covering our sun kissed freckled faces. I can still see her tiny fingers gripped around the upper wire rim. She didn't laugh or squeal, only expressed silent joy with her entire being. My mother would say, "Now Rachel, you be careful. I don't want that baby to get hurt!" I was. She didn't. We're both here and I just want to wish her a very happy day.

Happy Birthday Jannell!

Love, Rachel