My baby is turning 16 this weekend. That's right, a 16-year-old baby. Stranger things, right? She must still be a baby because there's no way the chubby little toddler who relied on me for everything, who crawled into my lap to snuggle, read or rock in the rocking chair, who let me kiss her whole face and hold her hand, is 16 already, is there? When I look at my daughter's beautiful face I still see that chubby toddler. I see the newborn screaming and letting me know she's here and healthy. I see the toddler throwing an epic tantrum in Kmart because I wouldn't buy her "that toy" that she desperately wanted at that very moment, but that I knew would be "yesterday's news" as soon as we got it home. I see that elementary school girl in pigtails and skirts, excited about the books she was reading and giggling about silly boys. I see the middle school tween tearing up the basketball court, having sleepovers, crushes on the silly boys, and developing a serious love of music. I see the young teen, facing the loss of her father with bravery and courage the likes of which I've never seen. I see the young woman now before me with ideas and dreams, hopes and goals, with the whole world in front of her, and I know she is going to make a huge difference in this world of ours.
I've been the privileged observer and participant in this beautiful, strong, talented, brilliant young woman's life and I'm thankful every day that God saw fit to allow me to be Mom to her and my son. So when we celebrate her Sweet Sixteen in a few days, I'm sure I will shed a few tears. Tears for the years gone by that can be recaptured only in memories, pictures and stories. Tears for the speed of time and knowing that with every year, I will have to hold on a little less tightly so she can gain strength and can learn to stand on her own. And there will be happy tears; tears that are full of pride and excitement to see this fabulous young woman develop her own powerful thoughts and opinions, as she holds tights to her morals and beliefs and as she keeps the Lord close to her and grows in Him, and tears of thanks for the close relationship she and I share. I am so thankful she still talks to me and confides in me and I pray that our relationship grows ever closer as the years go by.
Happy Birthday, my sweet girl. Mama loves you so!
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