My Baby, Courtney Shea Guynn turns 21 -Catherine Maino
I can see my children at any age. Their ponytails, their toothless smiles, their round plump cheeks…. It’s a true blessing bestowed upon a mother. The ability to relive a lifetime with our children simply by closing our eyes.
A joyous and momentous occasion took place at the end of January. My youngest daughter, Courtney reached a milestone. She now joins the ranks of us who can retire to a quiet pub and enjoy a spirited beverage of her choice! Our Taboo Truth threesome celebrated this event by venturing to New York City. We stayed right in the heart of the city, Times Square and tirelessly scoured the city…enveloping ourselves in its warmth and vigor. More to come on that subject.
Turning inward to explore my feelings of this moment in time has made me melancholy and anticipatory. As with all children, Courtney breathed a new life into our family. She has always had a mind of her own. Always pushed to have her feelings or thought known. Even at the innocent age of 3. In many ways I see much of myself in her. Not the child I was, but the woman life has molded me to be. As I’ve observed her through these many years there have been moments when I wish I would have had her self confidence and diligence at such a young age.
As with both my girls, creativity drives Courtney’s soul. She has been writing stories and plays since the age of 7. Her ability to craft characters, think transcendently and image worlds that are crafted from what her minds sees is an amazing journey to witness. As a child she was insightful and witty. Never failing to toss a cute or funny comment into a conversation at just the right time. Though small in stature, she be mighty in purpose! Courtney has always felt comfort in times of solitude. In the warm Michigan summers she would spend hours swinging listening to her “walkman” or lazily swaying on the suspended lounge dragging her toes in the sand of our backyard. It wasn’t unusual for me to realize after hours in our home on a particular day, I had not seen her! Without fail I would find her in her room nuzzled with a book. Courtney has always been an avid reader! Both my girls LOVED me to read books to them nightly and Courtney’s love of the written word has never wavered.
Since our relocation to Virginia, Courtney and I have gained a closer connection that may not have been possible living Michigan. We clung to each other in times of doubt and frustration. It gave us the opportunity that Lindsay and I had to connect on a unique level. I can truly say that she has grown to become one of my very best friends and has taught me as much as I her. How lucky I am, to have my daughters evolve to become friends! Courtney has brought back my love to write, encouraging me at every step. She sees what you may not, she loves even in times you may be undeserving, she is loyal to those who know her inner being, she is tireless in her pursuit of self fulfillment and she is, and always will be my little munchkin. Happy Birthday my love. I love you with every breath…for what you have been, for all you are and the excitement of what is yet to come! 
