Terrific Ten

I feel like the double digits scared me as a parent.  Then we met and the pleasure has been all mine.  Really. This year has been one where I'm seeing the fruits of our labors so evident in how Lene acts, what she says, what she does.  She has put on a brave face and sometimes made statements about the growing pains of friendships that are wise beyond her years. . .and yet she still has the fortitude to be nice.  She is respectful. She is growing into who God made her to be and she's fighting against the world in the process.

She isn't ashamed of her love for all things stuffed.  She doesn't understand why some of the other girls think it's sad she doesn't wear a bikini.  She still holds my hand and gives me a kiss in public. Her sense of style is all her own--she pays no attention to what is considered a trend.  Comfy is her only requirement. She clears the table without being asked (mostly) and reaches for her devotional before the tv remote (mostly).  She has spread her wings some but she is still cautious and considerate and really just a good girl.

As Honor Choir performances come to an end, and the last days of elementary school creep in on us, I want to always remember how this girl used her voice, her God-given talent to entertain and inspire.  She even earned a solo in the second to the last show of the year with a verse from "Surfin' USA.".  She wasn't even really nervous about it--she just got up there and sang her heart out and it made my heart happy to hear her beautiful voice.

Friday was their last choir performance.  It happened to be at Disneyland--on a day it was to be open to the public for a full 24 hours.  To say I was not excited is an understatement.  I saw traffic and long lines and the need to make arrangements for the picking up and care of three other littles at home.  I kept trying to convince myself of the fun we would have once there, but truth be told, I was hard to be convinced.

Within the first twenty minutes of our arrival, Lene teared up as the group headed to Indiana Jones.  She couldn't remember what to expect.  She was nervous.  And then Thunder Mountain roller coaster was named, and she lost it.  Tears flowing at the happiest place on earth.  I tried to reassure her she would be fine.  I wanted her to try something at least once. . .blah. . . blah. . . blah.  Still crying.  Then two wonderful teachers spoke calmly and softly and offered to stay behind because she wouldn't have to do anything she didn't want to do.  Um, okay.  Backfire.

We proceeded to Indiana and she did fine--dare I say, even may have enjoyed it. A group of fun, giggling, ten year olds was a pretty fun way to spend the morning.  I loved being a part of it and all was well because no mention of a roller coaster had come up again. . .

The show went off without a hitch.  They were given some really cute shirts to sport around the busy park.  We saw our cousin who was in charge of the sound stage and then. . .we went off to Thunder Mountain.  She was scared.  She was nervous.  She had big, anxious eyes.  She was talking to herself as we entered the car.  "I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength," she muttered over and over again while the bar latched.  Her friends in three other carts cheered her on and then the ride began.

The scariest parts were the unknowns.  She doesn't like the dips and she never knew when to expect one.  I don't think there was one but the turns and speed coupled with her wild fear gave way to tears.  They poured out of her eyes even as she yelled, "It's actually okay!"  And eventually her death grip loosened and her arms raised and she screamed out in fun, no longer fear. It was fast and slow all at the same time--this sense of bravery and facing fear.

And I'm happy to report she came out on the other side.  Then we headed to a gift shop to buy her another stuffed animal to cuddle and love.  Because I'm going to encourage and try to keep the little in my girl for as long as I can. But I'm also going to be right there to walk the rocky terrain beside her.  Two are better than one.  Together we can.

This day with my ten year old is one I will treasure forever.  The best part was her decision to eventually leave the group to go off and explore and enjoy on our own.  It truly was a joy.  All the people, the long lines, the late night, were all worth it to be truly present with my daughter.  Best day ever!