MJR Photography

Ella Langley live in Helotes Floores Country Store.

Texas, June 2025

Syd,

You were growing up as I was growing old and many of your firsts became some of my lasts. Yet I’m so happy to bear witness to you: the woman grown from the girl that emerged from the child. I think of the places you’ll go; the things you’ll do; the folks you will know; the kindness you’ll show.

Do you remember our long jaunts in the chill, fall dawn? Our discussions of books? Our shoreline photo walks, just you and I?

I can’t always be with you as 90% of our time together is already spent. But know that in the years yet to come, whether together or not, I have always loved you since you were a dot. And forever and ever, I will love you - beyond when we’re both mere motes in the light, dust in the wind, atoms apart yet of some other thing. In the meantime, enjoy the sojourn. Choose well in all things. Be kind to yourself as you are toward others. Be happy for you are so very extraordinarily wonderful.

Love,

Dad aka Polonius ❤️

Congratulations Abby on your academic award this evening. I’m very proud of you, as always. I love you, Sweetie. ❤️

The strength of the wolf is the pack.

A harbinger. Drought continues.

Upside down, inside out.

Two of my three are teens; my oldest, a man. Yesterday, the little one turned sixteen. And today, she drove herself to school.

But this is them: the child is still there, though each yearns to be grown, to be on their own. I say, hold on. Just hold on. Please hold on.

The day is yours, Abby. Happy Birthday, Sweetie. I love you very much. ❤️