Love,
I took this picture yesterday while I waited for the bus to arrive at the park, anticipating your arrival, glad to be able to be with you for the day for a picnic and hike. The last of the Dogwood blooms, some of my favorite.
Your third grade class went to Mammoth Cave for a field trip. Your little friend, “Summer”, was also in our group, her mom couldn’t come. She held my hand all day, a bit scared of the immense cave and it’s deep depths. She said, “Your mom is pretty.”…I liked her immediately. I think we’ll be lifelong friends. :D I’m glad you have such sweet and kind friends!
You had been to the caves once before. This time, you walked confidently, skipping, enjoying the beauty.
Getting dressed that morning, you wished for a Mammoth Cave “something to wear” and didn’t have anything. It was cool and wet yesterday, so at the gift store, I saw a hoodie and offered it to you when you got to the store, though I usually don’t buy large gifts on field trips. It was sweet to bless you. You’ve never had a hoodie, and Mammoth IS one of the Seven Wonders of the World after all!
But, what you REALLY had your eye on was a little $3.00 bag of beautiful quartz rocks. I wanted something for you more expensive than you wanted for yourself. That blessed me. You chose each carefully and stuffed them as tightly in the bag as you could. You chose the smaller rocks so that you could have one of each to fit in the draw-string bag. The best things are sometimes the small things, eh?
The guide described the making of stalagtites and stalagmites in the cave. He said that when all the water runs fast and hard, a HOLE is formed in the rock, making room for the torrent.
But, when a small drop of water drips slowly, one drop at a time, regularly, over time, mineral deposites are left behind, slowly forming the beauty we see in these unusual formations, these beautifully dripped sandcastles of rock.
Small drips brings noticeable results over time! Don’t we often wish for the torrent of change with speed and force? But, God, our Maker, knows what is needed, what is best, to accomplish His purposes. In that science lesson, I prayed for us to trust Him more as our Maker…how skillful He is!
You asked me when we got in last evening if it was time for your summer cut yet. Dad had to get his cut. I know you wanted to enjoy it with friends before school was out. I’ll miss your braids, but it is a practical choice for summer and the pool. Your Dad encourages practical choices where I can get sentimental, missing your locks and curls underneath. You wanted to surprise him. Your Mamaw does such a good job with your hair. You two get giddy.
The “reveal”! Daddy loved it, of course.
This morning, a completely different-looking girl than I had with me yesterday! So confident and assured. Your legs have seemed to have grown so long over the course of this year!
Sometimes…change seems to happen like the torrent…
Yet, this year, I’ve seen a lot of “small drips”, too. My little girl, growing up! You’ve done so well this year. Just yesterday, I heard you laughing, telling silly jokes, confidence sandwiched with two boys in the back seat of a car on the way home. We didn’t know to expect that, and I was so thankful that you handled yourself with good humor.
I love you, Precious. A special day. I’ll remember it always, but just wanted to record it quickly here while you are at school today–while it’s fresh on my mind and I’m still thinking of you. (I’ll copy it for your journal for you to keep and remember, too.)
Love,
Mom
Beautiful. Simply beautiful. Thanks for sharing.
Sweet post—Goldi looks so different—you’re going to have to accept that she is growing up. Many changes to come!
Precious post. Love Goldi’s haircut!!! Wishing “S” would decide to cut hers too. I guess I am like your hubby and prefer the practical for summer.
Nice pictures.
Tell “boy wonder” to look at my badger blog post and click the link.
Ciao!
monkey
I am crying now after reading this post. Missing my kids right now as they are with their Dad…wishing I had every single day with them. I cherish every moment I do have, even those that are sometimes taxing and overwhelming… thank you for this post. Thanks for making me cry. It brought to mind how very precious our children are and how we can honor and appreciate them in the simple sweet moments of our everyday lives.
Awesome post. I can’t wait to actually see her hair. It looks so adorable in the pictures. She is an amazing young lady!!!