A father's love for his daughter is joyfully expressed during their
nightly routine when he braids her hair and shares imaginative bedtime
stories.
Every night Xia's father delicately braids her hair before bed. As he
gently tugs and twists and tightens her hair, they embark on imaginative
and fun adventures as he makes up stories about Xia and her trenzas, or
braids. In one story, her trenza becomes a sturdy twisted vine that she
uses to bravely swing through the jungle. In another, her trenzas are
jump ropes as she catches the beat to play Double Dutch with the best
players in the neighborhood.
One night, after story time, Xia worries what she would do if Papa is
not there to help her in a real adventure. Papa shares with her the most
important story of all:
Papa says, "There will be adventures, like going to your new school,
when you'll need to be brave, patient, focused, and curious. And while
you might be on your own, you'll never be alone, mi'ja.
Papa finished brushing her hair and carefully parted it into three
sections.
"This section will remind you of the people who love you deeply."
"This one is for the many people who need your love for them."
"And this one . . . this will help you remember to love yourself
exactly as you are now and who you hope to be. They are stronger woven
together and will help protect your hair and your heart."
