My daughter wants to be a teacher when she grows up. I already know she’s going to be amazing at whatever she does.

If I can help it, I try not to brag about myself, unless I’m, say, crushing it at my wellness program. I haven’t been, by the way. You would know from all the bragging.

But I’ll brag openly and liberally about my kids any chance I get. It’s my right as a mother.

Aislyn has a startling amount of emotional intelligence that makes her shine like a beacon in adverse situations. She is the voice of reason when others show distress. She is a peacemaker, a diplomat.

The kindness and calmness with which she speaks to her brother when he is sad or overwhelmed gives me goosebumps. And what she says…all I can think is, where is this coming from? She is miles ahead of her years.

All I can think is, like Desmond, she is an old soul. A gentle old soul.

A couple of years ago, she painted a giant, pink and red heart at school. I tacked it to her wall because I believe a child’s bedroom should be a haven of self-expression, a glimpse of who they are.

I chose the heart because this little girl has the biggest one you could imagine. Don’t believe me? Talk to her a few minutes. She’s a ray of sunlight in a sometimes trying world.

Anyway, she certainly is the light in my world.