Chapter (Month) Twelve: One, The Road

I had a hard time putting Fable to bed tonight so consumed was I with the fact that she would be waking up a one-year-old.

So I lagged. I stalled. I rocked Fable in my arms and told her the story of where I was one year ago ... I told her what I was thinking about and what I was hoping for and all of the things that consumed me whilst in labor - all of the dreams I had for her unknown. I tried to describe the way she looked when I first saw her, the tiny movements, her glow.

Fable: hours old

And then I went on. And on. And even though she didn't understand me, she still listened. A noble lesson.

I have enjoyed this last year so much. Reveled in every moment - clutched Fable to me with all my might because this time I knew how fast the time would fly.

I had the floppy-haired proof standing before me in beat-up sneakers.

Passeaster, 2009

Tonight as I placed Fable down in her crib she held her arms out for me. Cried but only for a second. Archer's voice interrupted her. "It's okay, Fabes. Sometimes I get scared of the night, too. But you don't have to cry."

Too fast.

Time is the greatest tragedy. The repercussions of moving forward - of age and change and every moment ephemeral.

two days old

seven months

eleven months

Life is cruel that time cannot be paused. That babies grow. That humans must learn to speak so that they can talk back, learn to walk so they know to run away, but that's life and that's the journey and what a blessing it is to be a hitch-hiker for as long as our children will allow us the ride.

Hanging off the back of Fable's pick-up truck this past year has been an incredible trip. What a view.

This following chapter is a special one because it's the last in my series of Fable's first year videos and also because the song I used was written and performed by my brother, David (vocals, lyrics, guitars) and his Boston-based band, Self Assembly.

I'm going to miss creating these "fable films" every first of the month. They've been an absolute, heartbreaking joy to compose and this last year of my life? My most profound spiritual journey.

Happy Birthday, sweet Fable:

Adventurer,

...muse,

light.

GGC