Cleaning out some things I came across this picture and I called my little one in to see it.  “Who’s that?”  “It’s ME!” she exclaimed.  “No it’s not,” I said.  Looking at it again, she vehemently pronounced, “It is, TOO!”  “Nope” I said and then I called up the hubs.  “Who’s that?” I queried once again.  “Aw, it’s Maris,” he said.  My little one shot me a triumphant look.  “Nope” I found myself repeating.  Puzzled, they both leaned in closer for another look at the photo.  I could see Burk taking note of the slightly curled edges, the scratches that had somehow gotten on it, and watched him realize then it looked old-fashioned.  “It’s me,” I said as they both looked on in disbelief.  Seeing that my precious baby doll looked EXACTLY like me gave me a connection I had never felt before.  I was used to looking for parts of myself in pictures of my parents.  But now, to see myself in my child is the greatest gift imaginable.  The Indian born business executive and entrepreneur Naveen Jain said:

“I believe our legacy will be defined by the accomplishments and fearless nature by which our daughters and sons take on the global challenges we face.  I also wonder if perhaps the most lasting expression of one’s humility lies in our ability to foster and mentor our children.”

I was very fortunate to always have the unconditional love and support of my parents.  The values they instilled in me are the same that I am working to instill in my daughter.  And so the legacy continues.  Seeing the external is a joy, but sharing the internal is an even greater love.  One day, I hope to be in a closet with my daughter while she asks her daughter, “Who’s that?”