366th day

366th Day

July 24, 2025

366 days.  
An extra day of light.  
Laughter.  
Becoming.  
An extra day with you.  
An extra day of you.

I started writing this on Day 334.  
You were napping in my arms.  
That’s how I’ve been writing lately.  
Me, you, asleep.  
No better feeling.  

Than being your Da Da.  
Than being your friend.  
Than being your protector.  
Than being your pillow.  
Than being your everything.  

Every frame is proof.  
You existed. You were loved. You were noticed.  
Not just when you smiled, but when you blinked.  
When you were just becoming.  
Your first tear,  
Photographed.  

Nearly a picture a day.  
It’s not just a gift to you.  
It’s a gift from you. 
You helped me see better.  

You reminded me that the beginning of art
is simply paying attention.

This whole year  
has been a collaboration.  

And one day, when you’re ready,  
I’ll show you every photograph.  
every blink, every crumb,  
everything you gave
without trying
still changed me.

Happy birthday, champ.  
Da Da loves you.