When I was in the fifth grade, I remember there being an essay contest. You were to write an essay about what you are thankful for. It would be judged and there would be winners. I immediately wanted to win. I can’t remember exactly why, but I do remember that I wanted it badly. Well, I didn’t win. I got third place. I remember being devastated and crying. Given that this was thirty years ago, the details may not be quite right. However, the feeling is still very clear. I look back and think, How in the world could I be so upset with winning third place? I guess it was basically because I fell short of what I wanted. It wasn’t the best. That was the lens I chose to look at. The glass half empty. It was not a good lens at all. A positive thing became a negative thing very quickly.
My girl in a lot of ways is a mini me. Parenting is a funny thing. A constant dance between when to push and when to pull back. This one pushes herself hard enough. Too hard at times. I am awestruck at watching her turn into a young lady right before my very eyes. It hardly seems possible that this beautiful, tall, thin, creature was the 10lb 6 oz, 23 inch long baby that emerged her way into this world sporting multiple chins and a spirit of sheer goodness.
I remind myself often to tell her in both words and action that she is a beautiful child of God that is loved for exactly who she is. Right here. Right now. That her best is always enough. That the outcomes are always in His hands. That her mama is her biggest cheerleader and her heart will always be in mine.
We went to lunch the other day. Just her and I. I caught a glimpse into the future. We talked about very adult things. Feelings, and how to keep our relationship strong for our whole life, how to cope with girl drama, and what a mammogram is. All this over Mountain Mike’s lunch buffet. It was pure fabulousness.
I can see already how hard the transitions of the next 10 years are going to be…and how wonderful. We talked about it at lunch that day. How she will always be my little girl, but one day she is not going to be so little anymore. Our relationship will change. How wonderful it will be to stop by her house and hang out, but how heartbreaking it will be to not tuck her in at night.
Life is funny that way. The good and the bad seem to always be hand in hand. The trick to be successful is just in the way you look at it.
And my God shall supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:19
Love this Darcy. I am definitely closer to the time where they move on but every special moment I have I cherish so much and I will definitely cherish the ones to come. We are so very blessed
And your daughter is beautiful – great pictures!
I am right there with you! I am so excited for my daughter to be where she is now–14–and so excited for her future. But I miss Barbies and dress-up clothes and the easy-bake oven. Beautiful pictures of a beautiful girl!
Crying. Seriously. And, her resemblance to you doesn’t end with the personality — from the running post, I thought you look exactly like her -or she looks exactly like you! Either way, you are both beautiful!
Oh my friend1 You do it to me every time! You make me laugh out loud and you make me cry. What a beautiful post! You are such a positive influence in my life. You make me strive to be a better momma. Your kids are incredibly blessed to have you.
And . . . I LOVED the pictures!!
your daughter is so pretty! I love taking pictures of my boys…it is fun to see the progression over the years and have it documented… thanks for stopping by my blog! love yours too!!!