Earrings!

On Saturday, Valerie achieved a feminine right of passage: she got her ears pierced. She had been talking about wanting it done for a few weeks. I didn't know if she would really go through with it. But she did. I almost passed out, but all she did was grimace. Not a peep. I cannot tell you how amazed I was by her sheer force of will. I was beaming with pride, and awe.

My dear daughter, you inspire me.