Today's my lucky day

I thought this entire week was going to blow because of all the assignments I had due. And while it has up until this moment, I can see a ray of sunshine about 300 km in the distance. Even if I'm walking super slow, I know I'll get there at some point.

And this email I received today certainly helped me along towards the end of this unending season of work.

"Lana,

I think everybody is nice in my family.
And I love that you are my Aunt.
I'm going to draw a picture for you.

Love,

Maddie Grace"

I have received some great emails this month - from siblings far and near, cousins I adore, my best friends in the whole world, and long lost friends. But can I just say that nothing makes me happier than spending time with, talking to, or exchanging email with my Maddie Grace.

I can't sufficiently explain why, except that she's a little loony, or you could say particular about odd things, many of which correspond to oddities within or about myself. Maybe she affirms to me that I'm not the only person with an overactive imagination who loves books and words and rocks. Maybe having a child in your life simply changes a person - and for me, having Maddie in the family has changed the way I think.

It could be her love of imaginary realms, like the one where she's a princess for hours, even days on end.

Here she is: