I watched in silent awe as she stepped up and out and into the light. It was so unexpected. Out of the shadows..out of the brush...out of her zone of safety and comfort. So elegant....so graceful...so hesitant..so timid and shy...and yet - so determined.

Strong and straight...confident and sure. Her shoulders back...her spine long and straight and tall...the crown of her head extended. She settled down and in. One deep slow grounding breath...followed by another.

She stopped for a moment....gazed right up at that morning sky. As if she was asking...begging...pleading for that much needed strength and courage.

And then - it was the most surprising sight. Her mouth opened..her voice rang out. It was - no question or doubt - the most beautiful song I'd ever heard. It was all hers.