For as long as I can recall I have stared up with fascination at this particular fountain in the mall.  No matter how many times I have seen it; I am still enthralled.  It has held my interest through childhood, puberty, adulthood, and technology.  The Italian actress Sophia Loren said:

“There is a fountain of youth: it is your mind, your talents, the creativity you bring to your life and the lives of people you love.  When you learn to tap this source, you will truly have defeated age.”

We saw Santa tonight and were walking over to eat afterward, as is our tradition.  I looked as my little one scrambled up the cement sides of the fountain just as I did when I was a kid.  I saw her peer over as far as she could to look into the water.  All of her movements I had once done; her awe I still retained.  So engrossed was I in watching her that I managed to forget my ever present iPhone dangling from my hand.  I shot this just as she turned around and exclaimed “MAMA!!” for me to see, and my heart was full.  Always having been in a family of three, God was merciful.  My parents may be with Him in heaven but He blessed me with a handsome husband and a beautiful little girl, both of whom are loving and kind.  And so the circle continues.  In Native culture life is not linear; it is cyclical.  I knew as we all stood gazing up at the fountain we would be drawn inevitably to return to it again next year, full of the same excitement, wonder, and joy; the fountain of youth.