We all knew she would exercise her right to independent bipedal locomotion in a matter of days. The evidence, climbing up any object possible, communicating her desire to walk while holding the hands of a parent, and cruising along (and across) furniture, was mounting daily. I did not have days; only hours. So it was, hours after flying (not walking) out of town for more than a week, she took her first independent steps.

Thanks to the magic of video over the Internet, I did "witness" her walking. For that I'm grateful. The day before leaving Nairobi for home, she appeared again online, this time in a video posting. She ambled across the grass, taking about ten steps or so, heading to some destination just off camera.

An infant taking her first steps into toddler is a scene repeated every day with parents excited about her growth. That is a universal to which I am grateful my daughter can share: for its regularity, not everyone walks. The unique characteristic of watching this particular video is that she is my daughter, so I have one opportunity to see her make that transition from cruising to walking. That I was not present, in a sense, made the steps even more special, knowing they would come eventually and probably come while I was traveling.

I replayed the short clip about six times over the course of an hour, reminding myself of her tenacity (which is significant), determination, and, now, balance. While tears did not emerge, it is true emotions of joy (her middle name), simple pleasures, gratitude, and longing made their appearance. And so I look forward, when I get off this plane (flying over Sudan as I type) to witnessing her walking into my arms (if she'll stop for a hug, that is).