林榮峰 | Emily Lee
作者原創油畫 – Painting: Original oil by the author
2007年7月7日清晨，在賓州的一家醫院，我們迎來了第一個孫女。她像天降的仙子，輕輕降臨我們的生命。我們感謝上帝賜給我們這份珍貴的禮物，便為她取名「美仙」，英文名為 Marcella。
Marcella 乖巧可愛，是我們全家的掌上明珠。親人們輪流搶著抱她，不忍放手。為了讓她多些嬰兒時光，我們刻意不催她學走路。終於，在2009年7月4日國慶日，阿公握著她的小手，走上街頭參加遊行。那天，她手握國旗，蹣跚地踏出人生第一次公共慶典的步伐。
這幅畫，是我對那一刻的深情紀錄。畫中不是街景的繁華，也不是旗海的喧囂，而是我與孫女共行的靜謐時光，那些藏在細節裡的愛與祝福。
On the morning of July 7, 2007, in a Pennsylvania hospital, we welcomed our first granddaughter into the world. Like a fairy descended from the heavens, she brought grace and joy into our lives. We gave thanks to God for this precious gift and lovingly named her Marcella—our beautiful little fairy.
Marcella was gentle and sweet, the treasure of the whole family. Everyone took turns holding her, reluctant to let go. Wanting her to enjoy babyhood longer, we didn’t rush her to walk. Then, on July 4, 2009, nearly two years old, Agon took her hand and brought her to a Fourth of July parade. Step by slow step, with a flag clutched tightly in her little hand, she took part in her first public celebration.
This painting is a heartfelt tribute to that moment. It doesn’t show the bustling crowd or the waving flags, but the quiet bond between a grandfather and granddaughter—a walk filled with love, memory, and silent blessings.