five

Five years ago this week, I became a sister. 

I was used to being a single child, and more so, a single child of divorced parents, which made me privileged in a way most of the people surrounding me weren't. I had my family, the two sides, and I had a life that was as complicated as the life of a college student can be. 

On September 3rd, 2007, my mother gave birth to Gabriela and my world was turned upside down. 

It was like having a child of my own — it happened when I was 21 (exactly the same age my mother had me) and that child, that tiny (okay, not tiny, she was enormous in her 4,150kg at birth) little creature became the center of my world. 

Five years ago, my life became bigger, brighter, more fun. I don't know where I'd be without my Gabs, but I know that I'm thrilled with where I am right now, with the privilege of having such a wonderful presence in my life. 

These are the day before and the day of her birthday. I hope you like them!

^Taken by Gabs, herself! 

Gabs and my meditation teacher, Jorge

^ she loves the strawberries from my garden

I have a photo of her in this precise same spot, eating strawberries, when she was about one year old.