As the time approaches for our oldest daughter to leave home to finish her last 2 years of college 3000 miles away, suddenly I have an aching in my heart. She'll turn 20 this month too! My little girl grew up right before my eyes! How did that happen? I ask myself that question frequently. I find myself answering that she was only mine for a short time and that this is what is supposed to happen. Do I like it? Not on your life!I remember, like it was yesterday, when she used to sing in front of the big sliding glass door watching herself sway to and fro in her long, flowing nightgown. I remember, like it was yesterday, when I dressed her up in a Christmas dress, tied her hair back in a red ribbon and sent her off on a date with daddy to see The Nutcracker. I remember, like it was yesterday, how excited she was when she learned she would be a big sister. I remember all too well our very first day of homeschooling; what she wore, where we sat. I remember when she finally learned to ride her bike. That was a great accomplishment! I remember taking her picture after she got braces. I remember, I remember, I remember everything about that little girl like it was yesterday! But wasn't it yesterday?
My little girl has grown up into a beautiful, talented, gifted woman who loves Jesus and desires nothing more than to be a wife and mommy and watch her little gifts from God grow up right before her eyes. When did she become a woman? When did I become her friend? Did I teach her all she'll need to know about being a woman? Did I remind her enough that God loves her so much and made her especially to be my little girl? Have I told her enough how much I love her and how proud I am of her? Likely not but I know I don't need to stop telling her just because she grew up! God's Word is clear that I am to teach younger women and she will always be younger than me!!
Over the last few months I have come to realize that life truly is a vapor. I didn't think that when she and her sister were toddlers, potty training or asking 50 questions! That seemed like an eternity! Now, it seems only a breath and here I am, about to say good-bye to that little girl.
Looking back, and you know hind sight is always better, had I known just how fast it was going to go, I think I would have cherished those little girl years a little more, sat with them a little longer, played a little more and loved on them a little harder. Where does the time go? With every breath, that's where, and as fast a breath comes and goes. My advice for you moms with little ones: cherish, play, hug, kiss, watch, and thank God for the time you have right now. Your tomorrows will seem like only yesterdays before you know it. To my daughter, Alison, I could not be prouder of who you have become. My love for you is deeper than you'll ever understand, until you are a mom, and my heart will ache when you are gone. You have grown into the kind of woman that I dreamed you would. You love Jesus and your greatest desire is to serve and worship Him. I couldn't ask for anything more! God has given you a wonderful opportunity and I know you will make the most of it and grow like never before. Use your gifts and talents to honor Him and bless others!
To my daughter, Andrea, I am proud of who you are becoming. I love you with all my heart and am looking forward to our special time together. I love watching you with children and the special gifts God has given you to care for them. I love that God made you and Alison different because you both bless me in so many different ways. I love that you and your sister have developed a special relationship that time will only deepen as you grow. There's nothing like a sister!! I should know, I have 4!!!
Well, for those who know us, pray for us. This will be a big adjustment for us all and not an easy one! We are well aware that God has provided for this and we are excited about what He will do in Alison's life throughout the next 2 years. I am thankful for the years we've had and know that this chapter of rearing her will close for us but her life is just beginning. She'll be on her own, making choices, making new friends, learning what life is all about and finding out that it is all about doing everything to God's glory. I can confidently say that I did, to the best of my ability, teach her that it's all about God and that her life was created to bring Him glory. Now I get to watch what God does when I'm not around! How exciting!!
California, here she comes!!! My little, grown up girl!!!
For Christ and His kingdom,
Bronni
