Before We Were Yours

by Lisa Wingate

One of the best things a father can do for his daughter is let her know that she has met his expectations.

It’s funny how what you’re used to seems like it’s right even if it’s bad.

Life is not unlike cinema. Each scene has its own music, and the music is created for the scene, woven to it in ways we do not understand. No matter how much we may love the melody of a bygone day or imagine the song of a future one, we must dance within the music of today, or we will always be out of step, stumbling around in something that doesn’t suit the moment.

This music of old age…it isn’t made for dancing. It’s so…lonely. You’re a burden to everyone.”

“I wished for it, but some wishes don’t come true.

“People don’t come into our lives by accident.”

“A woman’s past need not predict her future. She can dance to new music if she chooses. Her own music. To hear the tune, she must only stop talking. To herself, I mean. We’re always trying to persuade ourselves of things.”

“But sisters are friends as well. Sisters are special friends.”

But the love of sisters needs no words. It does not depend on memories, or mementos, or proof. It runs as deep as a heartbeat. It is as ever present as a pulse.