Live and Love Without Words

We have the privilege of celebrating another birthday with our Wonder Woman, who has just turned four. Four more celebrations than she was ever supposed to have, according to a misinformed medical community. I am at a loss for words, which is inconvenient for me since this blog is specifically for writing. But when I think about how far she’s come, it doesn’t feel like the right words exist to describe her journey, her strength, or how she’s changed us, and that’s fitting since she lives and loves all without words.

As a writer by trade, it’s odd for me to experience something so ineffable. I always search for the right analogy to express my feelings or the exact description of a smell or sound. In my simple mind, words define the world. But some things defy simple definition— the intoxicating scent of a baby, the build of tension then release found in the notes of a song, the familiar touch of a loved one expressing more than simple, physical contact. My daughter has taught me that words are unnecessary; they are a conduit of expression but not a definition of experience. Love happens without words, and life doesn’t need to be spoken to be lived well.

Happy Birthday, Wonder Woman