I laughed when I read my cousin's blog and found that she procrastinates. I guess it runs in the family as I have procrastinated and find myself writing another belated birthday wish. This one goes to my oldest child. Rebecca turned 17 this Monday, and I am in an emotional state of depression. Where did the time go?? If I'm enjoying her so much, why is she growing up so quickly? What can I do to stop the flow of time?? Nothing. That's the depressing thing - in a bitter, sweet sort of way.
I can honestly say that I have not had a little girl Rebecca living in my home for some time. Instead, I look at a lovely, young lady who continues to grow daily into a young woman after God's own heart. She blesses her family with her smile, her servant's heart, her cheery attitude, her sense of humor, and her willingness to reach out to those who are hurting. It has been so precious to me to have had all these years at home with her. I know that we started out to homeschool for academic reasons, but I am now realizing the blessing of spending time with my children as they grow and mature into young adults far outweighs any academic gain. I am so enjoying seeing our relationship change from being one of mother/daughter to one of best friends who also happen to be mother/daughter. What a joy that is and will continue to be for many years to come.
This last year has brought excitement as she acquired her driver's license which has meant that Mom has had to start letting go - hard, hard to do. However, it didn't take long for me to be able to see the benefits of having another driver in the family. I'm just so thankful that she takes this new responsibility so seriously. She is very careful when she's out there which I appreciate, and I am enjoying being able to do other things like read a magazine article as we tootle down the road to music lessons. It won't be long before my dear child will one day be Queen of her own home (if Prince Charming can get past her body guards :)). Until that time, I am going to just keep gathering these wonderful memories and storing them up for that day when I'll need them. Happy, happy day, Sweet daughter!!
4 comments:
Happy Birthday Rebecca! Oh I can't believe she is 17 already. I remember when we came by on the way to Albuquerque to see you guys and she was only a few weeks old. How time flies. I do understand how you feel about watching her grow up and your relationship moving to another stage. Being blessed with Lisa and Laura I can only tell you how thankful I am that you have your daughters also. They are truly a wonderful blessing. I am not trying to leave out the boys, it is just a different relationship between mothers and daughters.
Aunt Evie
Happy Birthday Rebecca. Oh geez, I can't believe she is 17. I used to babysit her!! I'm not even going to address the letting go part because I don't want to have to think about that yet.
Aunt E, thank you for that reminder of how special that relationship is between M & D. You are right. I'm beginning to see that already. The boys are wonderful, but I also am experiencing them pulling away from Mom and towards more "manly" things with Dad - which I'm all for. I'm just thankful for my young ladies.
Lisa - don't even start about babysitting. I can remember doing that with you and here you are with three precious angels of your own. Wow!! Isn't it neat though, to see things come around like that?
I also want to say that even though R is now 17, I'm still only 29.95 plus shipping and handling! :)
Imagine my surprise when I checked your site, and there it was!! Wow!! I bought a card for R and even tried to send an online card to her. However, my email is messed up and won't let me do much of anything.
Talk about hard to let go!! I can remember when you were just 17 and growing into the beautiful woman you have become. Guess what that makes me. Yup, it makes me kinda old.
All my love to you and especially the birthday woman.
Dad
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