I’m off tomorrow to take my baby to get her driver’s license.
I’m not sure I am ready for this, but when she is driving herself around, it will be nice to have my afternoons free again from chauffeuring duties. She was just in her high school production of Fiddler on the Roof, and needed her hair long for the play.
So this week, now that the play is over, we took her to get her very long hair cut. (I’ll try to get a picture for you, but I don’t have one yet.) She is now sporting a short bob. Just like when the flappers in the 20’s cut their hair to symbolize their burgeoning independence, this hair cut seems to represent a new freedom for my little girl, who isn’t so little any more.
I remember not many years ago, on Friday nights she would stay with her Gram and Grandy (now both gone to heaven) for an overnight visit. When she and her sister would return from these visits, she would bound up the walkway, and ring the doorbell before her sister and grandparents could even make it out of the car. She was bubbling over with excitement, always so overjoyed to see us. I would hurry to open the door, knowing she couldn’t wait to give me a hug and show me her goodies. Being that she and her sister were the only grandchildren, meant that there were always goodies; she rarely came home empty-handed. She also had lots of stories to share about her fun visit with Gram.
As I opened the front door, I would look down expecting to see her smiling face, but the strangest thing would happen. The place where I expected to see her face, was not her face at all. I would be staring directly into her neck, while her face was a good six inches higher than I remembered it being. Somehow my memory of her current height was not keeping up with her actual height. She may look like this,
 |
| In Cinderella, The Untold Story |
but to me, I still see this.
If You Catch a Firefly
If You Catch a Firefly
By Lilian Moore 1909–2004
If you catch a firefly
and keep it in a jar
You may find that
you have lost
A tiny star.
If you let it go then,
back into the night,
You may see it
once again
Star bright.
Anita:
I know they grow up so fast and remember taking my son for his driver’s test.
Love your firefly poem, so cute…..
Have a wonderful day!
Exciting times! Our son, Conrad, passed his driving test on Monday and I have seen very little of my car since then!
my kids are 9 and 3. to me they seem too big already. thanks for sharing and the poem is very touching.
That is a very touching poem. Thank you for sharing.
Once our baby always our baby. They’ll understand that some day when they are parents.
~Bliss~
Beautiful post Anita. It is so true we all grow up/and old too fast!! Love that poem. Just lovely. Have a wonderful day.
Brought tears to my eyes!!! What a wonderful mother and mentor you are!!
Blessings
My oldest daughter is now wearing my shoes and running away with my clothes. She *almost* looks me in the eye now…when did THAT happen? I love that my children are growing up to be my friends, but I mourn the loss of the little people they used to be!
Anita, no wonder you are a proud mother. She is a beautiful girl and sounds like a very talented one. I don’t have children but I know a mother’s love is a never ending love. My Mom and I are very close and she still worries about me even at my age. You seem like a very loving mother to both of your children. I’m sure the driving thing will be fine.——— Shannon
I know how you feel Anita. I remember when my youngest started school all day it made me feel lonely, even though I had a ton to do she was always with me along for the ride! Your daughter is so pretty and I think it’s great she’s so involved in drama!
That is sweet! No matter how old they are, they are still our babies – and we love them no matter what! Wishing her well – and can’t wait to see her new “do”!
Anita, they do grow up so fast! This is a precious story! Your daughter is lovely! I know you’re so proud of her and I can see why! She is lovely and talented like her mom!
Your daughter is so pretty and obviously talented. They grow up way too fast.
My eldest will be old enough for his license at the end of next month- they grow up too quickly!
YOur daughter is beautiful, she looks just like you!!!! It is so hard when they grow up and feel their independence. I remember those days and the bittersweet feelings. XO, Pinky
What a lovely young lady! And what a milestone she has passed…. getting the drivers license. Makes you so proud that they are growing up, but at the same time you want to keep them small and protected in your arms. Sigh… being a mommy is hard.
Anita,
Your story is filled with the love of a Mother and Daughter! Oh, how I did enjoy seeing the transformation of your daughter from child to young woman before my eyes! Cherish these days as they slip by far to quickly!
Fondly,
Pat
Now that just about made me cry. Not the poem so much (although it is lovely) but that your little girl has grown up. She is lovely.
It’s so scary when they first start driving – I remember how sad I was when our oldest son drove himself to the dentist for the first time!
What a lovely post. My daughter just reminded me last night that she is 16 now – asserting her independence that she didn’t need to be in bed at a decent hour anymore. I remember when she wouldn’t fuss about it being bedtime when she was little. I so miss those days.
Anita, your daughter is beautiful. So much fun to think about all these exciting milestones. Enjoy every minute! ~ Sarah
Bittersweet post. That poem about did me in.
You have me in tears.My daughter my only is 12.I don’t know where the time has gone.I am 5’6 and she is nearly my height.I am glad she is not driving yet.Then I will never sleep.And she will ALWAYS be my little girl.
what a beautiful daughter you have. I believe it is normal, coz I feel the same for my children although they are grown ups. always a mommy who lends them a helping hand.