April 16, 2012

Recently, I caught this little one who is growing up right before my very eyes looking through her memory box.

I stood in my bedroom doorway watching her through her mirrored closet doors.  She was  so curious, so loving and so enthralled as she handled the artifacts from her baby years.  I simply stood and watched her.  She read through the calendar that documented her first year.  She smiled, she laughed.  She carefully emptied the entire box of its contents.  

Then she called out to me,  "Mom, who's this?"  I approached her bed, no longer quiet observer, but knowing my sentimental side was about to become unleashed.  My first born.  My daughter.  My angel girl.  I looked down curiously.

Lo & Lene

I laughed.  "That is you and Lo."

She scrunched her face all up in bewilderment.  "Really?"

It was a question more than a statement. Her eyes are wide.  "We've known each other since we were babies. . .like this small babies?"  She seems incredulous.  And I guess I do too now.  Because yes, they have known each other that long--ten years if you count the pre-natal yoga we did--(I totally sucked and Lo's mom rocked it!) Ten years.  Ten years!  These girls are growing up!  I sit on the edge of the bed now.  I finger the yellow knit sweater that I once wore as a baby.  I sure wish I knew who knitted that for me. . .bet they had no idea it would be saved and my own daughter would wear it twenty-eight-years later. . .so I tell her again the story of how Auntie Val was due before me.  I tell her

again how we had walked in the village for ice cream cones on a sweltering July day.  I tell her how Auntie came to visit the day she was born and next thing I know, there's a call in the middle of the night and SHE is in labor!  We have the same doctor and he can not release me because he is busy with her!

Finally we get permission to leave and we drive immediately ten minutes away to the other hospital where she had just delivered.  These girls, born a day apart to two friends of twenty some years.  I smile recounting the memories.  I say a silent prayer that these girls always know they have each other when the going gets tough.  These friends--forever family.

Because time will continue on. The little hiccup we had with classmates this year. . .will happen again, unfortunately.  This child of mine,  who rejoices when it is pajama day at school--even though some kids are too cool for that, who doesn't plan outfits, or ask for clothing when we shop. . .she simply wears what I buy her--for now.  I know this will change.  So I enjoy her.  I reach past the irritation, or the asking her to do too much because she can. I let her do her best instead of pushing her towards awards and accolades that the school system has set up for their high achievers.  I let her read when the lights are out because it's that little thing she and I have--that thing we both love to do.  And I make more of an effort to include her in mini trips out to run errands and make them memorable--ask questions so she keeps trusting me and build that relationship that is going to become so critical in the middle years.

Because the middle school years are not far away any more. 

She knows there is no Easter bunny or tooth fairy.  She asks questions that require thought out answers.  She is growing up.

And again I pray that she always has a friend that is there for her, like my friend has been there for me. Lene has Lo.  Thank God, for that!~

I'm so glad Lene decided to venture into the box--it has been too long since we relished in those yesterdays.  

Janene (Lene's mom) & Val (Lo's mom)