Today our girl turns 23. Wow. 23. It sounds so grown up. And...she is. I don't know what she would say are her favorite memories are as a child...mine are easy.
It's funny, being a mom. You would think that the memories would include the pains of childbirth: a month in the hospital with toxemia, only to deliver 4 weeks early and in a sudden rush of panic. I remember how delighted I was that she was a girl - faking everyone else out beforehand to boot. I always wanted a little girl.
The pains of toddlerhood could include: temper, stubbornness, whining, messes, nap-deprivation. What I remember is baking cookies while she sat on the counter, dancing around the room while she giggled, pushing her on the swing in the back yard, coming home after work and her delighted squeal when she saw me.
The pangs of kinders might include: tears at parting, tears at reuniting, tears in the car, refusing to get out of the car, refusing to put toys/clothes/shoes away.What I remember are the smiles when I helped out in class, painting Easter eggs, her friend Steven, jumping waves at the beach as she tanned and glowed. Putting her to bed over and over again because she just didn't want to miss anything.
The "joy" of youth might bring grimaces of : not wanting to wake up ANY morning, bad classmates, changing schools every couple of years, homework, homework, homework. But I remember sleepy warm cheeks, delightful field trips, summer camp counseling as she held my hand and hiked, leaving for a week the first time, baking cookies for me. The RAT party.
The trials of teens might bring moans from: practices for school plays, picking a major for college, MORE homework, driving school, stubborn know-it-alls. I get to reminisce about driving to rehearsals and hearing her sing her parts, driving home from school and sharing confidences, watching as she figured out her hair and makeup, began serving in her own style at church, proudly walking her sister around the block in her little red car. Making me soup on a tray, with flowers when I was sick. Planning an anniversary party with Fifi.
Now, I have an adult. a delightful friend, confidant, and true sister in Christ. We laugh at the same jokes, love the same movies, and introduce each other to different music. I love this young woman who lives in this house. I miss her terribly when she's gone for any length of time. Yet...let her go I will. She has learned how to find her wings, and now uses them to great, good purpose.
Heather...you remain a most delightful treasure from the Lord. Thanks for allowing me to share in the journey.
Happy Birthday beloved daughter.
2 comments:
No truer words written, delightful visage, delightful mind, and delightful friend. I said it already but Happy Birthday, Heather. You are a lovely sister in Christ and a joy as friend.
You sure did raise a beautiful young lady. She is as sweet as her mom. What a blessing to know the two of you. My life has been blessed since the day we met.
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