We were in the car, I was driving, when I noticed the spider sailing toward your daughter as she was strapped in her car seat.
Without a second thought,
you reached over and grabbed the spider in the palm of your hand,
smiled at her,
and kept talking.
You didn’t even hesitate-
despite your fear of them.
Now I see you,
I know that it’s only been a few years since that car ride. Hadley cannot see
and still does not know the dangers she faces.
You do though.
I see the smile you wear for her,
after her second brain surgery,
and I know that if you could,
you would reach out and grab
that which tries to harm her.
Your smile, Fiona,
is imprinted on my heart.
It’s a smile that tells Hadley she’s safe from the spider,
she will heal from the tumors
and that you will protect her
from all that that she has to face.