For the second time, recently, I wish I had Abby's eyes. Abby has lovely brown-black, gentle laughing eyes. If you saw her eyes you might understand how she sees life. Her eyes are very pretty, to me, how they see things is much more beautiful.

Abby is my daughter's friend. I love to listen to them talk as they play around the house or ride in the car. I am not eavesdropping. The girls enjoy each other's company so much that they are simply oblivious to my presence.

They talk about things little girls talk about but, they also talk about deep subjects. Their respect for each other in unbelievable to me. Both have incredible imaginations. They are truly kindred spirits.

I love my daughter and her friend. Perhaps it is the objective distance that sometimes lets me see through Abby's eyes more easily than I do my own daughter's, though they have many similar ideas.

One day we were driving down the road and we passed the dump. I hate the dump-- it smells, it is a reminder of our excess and waste, and worse yet, our ill-reputed "animal pound" is there. I hate hearing the dogs when I go-- knowing their fate.

As we drive by Abby says, "I just LOVE to go to that dump! My daddy lets me go with him. There are really cute little dogs there and we get to pet them!"

What a difference her perspective made. Oh, to have the innocence of childhood!

Today, Abby is visiting again. She spent the night with my daughter (who had to have a bath last night.)

The tub is in the old bathroom--a room I really dislike--it is a remodeling project with very old ugly worn out fixtures. The project has been in process too long. My vision of how it should look and how it does look differ greatly. I wish I could see it though Abby's eyes.

Now, my daughter did her part to talk up this little shower to her. So by this morning, Abby has decided she must have a "birdbath" in this little shower. After they have both had luxurious baths (again) I hear Abby exclaim, "I just LOVE this bathtub!" I shake my head and grin.

I wish I were as "clean" as Abby. I can't wait for the day that my innocence is fully restored!