The first time she did it, I turned away so she would not see me cry.
By the 100th time, I had learned to smile through it.
Marcus had missed two birthdays, a preschool graduation, Lily’s first dance recital, and the night she lost her first tooth.
I documented everything for him. I filled my phone with videos of Lily singing, laughing, spinning in circles, and telling stories that made no sense. I did not know when he would see them, but I kept recording.
I wanted him to know his daughter.
More than that, I wanted her to remember him.
When I finally received confirmation that Marcus’ unit was coming home, I read the message three times before I believed it.
Then I sat down on the kitchen floor and cried so hard that Lily found me there.
“Mommy, are you hurt?” she asked, dropping beside me.
