My granddaughter Robin has a powerful and happy smile, I think it is very real and very deep. I often hear people say that children are happy because they don’t yet know what life is really like.

I see it differently. I think Robin is happy because she is deeply loved by two people who are gentle, intuitive and supportive of her. I know because I didn’t have those things, and I wasn’t happy, even at that age. I’m only now  getting to explore happiness.

I think people like Robin will grow up to have the disappointments, troubles and challenges that we all have, but at the core, I believe she will always  be happy and grounded and hopeful, it is now a deep part of her.

This photo was taken on Governor’s Island in New York, the family was on  a bike ride.

My grandmother would be horrified to read these words, she believed such talk brought down the evil eye, and she would be spitting all over the room to drive them off, but I don’t believe that. We do not have the choice in life to avoid pain and sorrow or fear, but we do have the choice to be happy.

I’m so happy to see the look on  her face. I am sorry I can’t be more of a part of her life, but I would  rather she be happy than anything, I always felt the same way about Emma.