Girl Playing in the Water Tower Fountain

A few weekends ago I was walking down Michigan Avenue doing my “rounds” around the Gold Coast* when I happened upon this adorable girl. She was running back and forth between the steps of the historic Water Tower and the fountain in the center of the plaza. She radiated pure, unbridled joy. I think we can all connect to the spirit of this young child, whose enthusiasm and lightness is inspiring in its simplicity. Every one of us has memories that stretch way back to when something as elementary as doing somersaults down a hill created so much enjoyment. I’m sure that’s exactly what her parents thought as they sat on the steps, watching her play. They smiled at me while I took a few snapshots, and I’m sure they thought I was thinking the same thing. And they were right.