Hope is three years old now. Julia and Joel feel so lucky that Hope has lived this long. She is their little miracle baby, and because of little Hope they have learned to treasure every day because they never know when it may be Hope's last day.
Sydney is playing with Hope, while their mom is cooking dinner and their dad is on his way home from work. Hope is cradling one of her baby dolls in her arms.

"What's your baby's name?" Sydney asked her little sister

Hope replied, "Her name's Haley"

"That's a nice name." Sydney stated.

About thirty minutes later, Joel walked in the front door. "I'm home." Joel announced

Sydney and Hope ran to their dad, "Daddy!"

"Hi my princesses." Joel said smiling as he picked up his daughters.

"How was your day, daddy?" Sydney asked

Joel smiled, "It was good, Syd. How was school?"

"School was great, daddy." Sydney replied "Though I wish Hope was old enough to go to school."

"I know you do, Syd." Joel replied "Hope has two more years until she can start school. Plus mommy and I aren't ready to let her go."

Sydney nodded, "Okay daddy."

Two years later, on Hope's first day of school. Joel and Julia walk their baby girl to class.

"Have a good day at school, Princess." Joel tells his daughter

"Okay daddy. Thanks. I will." Hope replied smiling

"Don't be nervous or scared, baby." Julia says "Everything will be okay. You'll play and make new friends."

"Hope smiled and giggled, "I know, mommy. I'm not scared. I'm excited."

"Okay, baby." Julia replies "Have fun. Bye love you."

"Bye mommy. Love you too." Hope said "bye daddy. Love you."

"Bye princess. Love you." Joel told his daughter. Then Hope ran inside her classroom.

Julia hugged her husband and cried, "Our baby girl is growing up so fast."

Joel hugged his wife back, "I know."

"I'm worried about Hope now that she won't be home all day with me so I can watch her." Julia stated "What if something happens to her?"

"She's going to be fine, honey. Nothing's going to happen." Joel assured his wife "And if...If something does happen the school will call us."

"Aren't you supposed to be making me feel better?" Julia asked

Then Joel added, "But nothing will happen. The doctor was wrong about our daughter. Hope's already outlived how long the doctor said she would, and she's a perfectly healthy little girl who is beautiful and smart just like her mother."

Julia smiled and nodded, "You're right. Hope will be fine. She's brave and tough. I just worry too much."

Hope you enjoy. Comments are greatly appreciated.