The Gaze of the Soul
“Look into my eyes,” I say. She looks as though her world is about to fall apart. She can’t seem to bring herself to look up. Does she doubt my love? Does she think she knows better than I? Does she really believe I don’t want what’s best for her? I crouch down and get eye level with her. “Look into my eyes,” I repeat. She just glances into them, but then her eyes continue to look around the room. She seems to think her life is ruined. Crocodile tears stream down her cheeks. I know differently. Her life is not ruined. We are heading in the right direction. She’s growing. She’s learning. I haven’t left her. I’m still right here, and I plan to stay by her side while she grows and learns. “No, no... Look into my eyes, and keep looking,” I say. Finally, her little blue eyes meet mine. This time, she doesn’t look away. Her eyes soften. She realizes I do love her. Whatever I was saying seems to make it past that sound barrier that makes my words sound...