party girl
June 4, 2013 § 5 Comments
This weekend my daughter attended a birthday party. Just as families were dropping off their young guests, uninvited raindrops scattered plans in a new direction. When the party was redirected to an indoor location I found my daughter displaced among strangers. The other girls, familiar from another experience, clamored together into a group of one while my daughter was left standing alone, gift in hand.
To my daughter,
Thank you for being strong enough to stand comfortably by yourself. Without inferring injury you moved towards belonging never loosing sight of your independence.
Rather than race into a cluster of girls eager to huddle together in another mother’s car you patiently waited for our host. At the moment, I wished you company rather than noticing your decision. In hindsight I hope you are always reserved when offered a ride with a stranger.
As the other mother realized you were standing alone she called the girls to befriend you, encouraging someone to step forward and wait alongside you. I was as grateful for this mother’s attentiveness as I was saddened by the girls’ collective hesitance to lend you company. I only saw a little girl left out and allowed my emotions to clutter my perspective.
There were no tears or anger, no eagerness to escape the sidelines. You stood in a moment, comfortable with yourself and patient with others. You held friendship like the gift in your hand and moved independently even as I wanted to shelter you.
Following your lead I stepped into my own discomfort and let go, giving you room to be successful. I welcomed our host’s offer to bring you home and waited anxiously for the party’s end. When our front door opened sometime later, you tumbled through on a gust of words winged with smiles. You found your way.
This day was such a small moment in our lives. Another party in a string of childhood gatherings that blend into an unexceptional pattern of predictable memories. Still, there was a moment in the mundane when you were exceptional and despite my worries wrapped in heartstrings, your strength and faith in others were greater than my assumptions.
I hope you are always prepared to move against the grain to find your own way.
Love, Mom
scribblechic 
You are building up a wealth of memories for your children to share and look back on when they are older.
Wisdom to implement in their own growth as parents. Not just yet though, eh?
Memories for myself as well, for a time when they do not come as easily. Indeed that day, alongside the day my own children navigate parenthood, is a long way off.
Thanks!
Thanks for this. Having one of those days where I wish I could start over. Missed a big milestone for my daughter by being wrapped up in my own stuff.
Your comment tugged at my heart. If I were to offer any words of peace it would be only this: I’m certain your daughter kept you close in spirit.
Thanks.