When we brought her home and I began to panic, "What if I can't do this? What if I screw up? What if she cries and never stops?" My fears were in vain. She was a wonderful, good-natured baby. I can remember when we moved into our house when she was 7 months and looking at the elementary school across the street and thinking, "She'll never be old enough to go there!" That day would never come.
She grew into the sweetest, most imaginative child. We knew we had something special in her - what a gift! She always impressed those around her with her adorable voice and inquisitive spirit. She wanted to know everything and learned everything we taught her well. Going off to kindergarten with her heart full of joy, I cried uncontrollably. The day had come and she was growing up.
We imagined her as young lady, knowing she was going to be a wonderful, amazing daughter. We knew she'd be beautiful and loving. But we also knew that day would never come.
Now she's that young woman of 12, we see the dreams we had for her coming to fruition. She is a loving, beautiful, sweet, intelligent girl. She's all we could ask for in a daughter. Now we think about the teenage years, and I hope God keeps her innocent and joyful. I can't bear to imagine her grown with her own family. That day will never come.
It's not fair. I can't bear to see her grow. Each step has been a joy and there was not one time that I wished she would be older. I have cherished each day. I quit working full-time and eventually gave up even part-time work so that I could see every moment. I home-school because I saw time flying and I want to be an influence all throughout the day.
All these hours spent with her, watching her grow up, it's still not enough.
I want her to slow down, spend a few years being 12. PLEASE don't make the jump to 13. Please don't let the day you grow up and don't need me anymore ever come.
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6 comments:
After I wipe the tears, I will be able to tell you that she will NEVER stop needing you. I am 37 and I still need my mom. Really, I do. Believe me...she will never ever ever ever never ever stop needing you. She is lucky to the max to have you.
I love you Mommy!
Now you know my emotions and thoughts as you were growing up, you are a GREAT Mom and I am very proud of you. Now if you would only post the latest pictures that I took of Chandler ;-)
Dad
I didn't know that when I got into the blogging thing I would cry! You are so awesome and it's freaks me out to know that I'm only a few years from Drew being 12. This is why our photos are sooo important!
Chandler is really looking like a young lady - her face/features have certainly matured in the last couple of years. Like Donna - I'm 40 and I still need my mom and dad both! Enjoy the fact that you'll be able to meet all kinds of different needs as they change within her!
Don't they grow up fast??? Chandler is beautiful...Thank you so much for the AWESOME post. It made me go hug my kidlets!!!
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