“Mama, your hair is curly, and shiny, like the ocean, “ as he grabs one tendril and another. I smile, look on him with the goofiest smile of pure love and admiration. “It is! See?!” He shows me the bunches of hair he’s grabbed and puts them right in front of my eyes, like I hadn’t been paying attention. “You don’t believe me? It’s true. It’s beautiful. See how it curls. (Gasps) And shines! See right here. Like the ocean. Beautiful like the ocean.” -the sound of my heart melting in your hands -the sound of child wisdom and wonder on my deafening ears -the sound of love JEO 5.27.19 Memorial Day