Sunday, September 14, 2008

Forever

Eleven Months have now passed in the life of Sophie. In a matter of weeks she will see her first birthday. She is now more adept at moving around on her feet although she is still not walking more than a couple of steps independently. We expect that any day now she will let go of the coffee table and make a mad dash for the door. With a backward wave and a see ya later, she'll be off playing with her neighborhood comrades.

I don't talk about it often, but I can see her future. I can see her first days of school. I will cry and she will not. She will love ballet but will run outside after class and jump straight into mud puddles. I can see her laying on the floor coloring in her books. She will have wispy fine blond hair, just like I did as a child, and despite my best efforts, it will often be in tangles from her play. I can see as she becomes a young woman and the changes that she will grow through: strange new body, getting her period, discovering boys. I see her first date, as her daddy stares down the unfortunate fellow who comes to the door. Her exuberance and joy as she runs down the sidewalk. I can see her elation and our fear when she gets her driver's license. I see her looking so beautiful in her prom gown. I see her graduation, the fear and excitement of the transition from child to adult. I can see her in her dorm room, exercising her first real independence, I call five times a day to make sure she's okay. I can see her when she calls to tell me that she has met someone wonderful and that it is getting serious. When she calls to say that he has asked her to be his bride I will cry, tears of joy. And sadness. I can see their wedding, I weep openly when my husband gives her over to this young man, their hearts full of love and hope. I can see her when she tells me that they are expecting their first child and I can say, "Oh, my love, what a world of wonder awaits you!" I can see our grandbabies in my husband's arms.

I can see forever.

I see all of this. And none of it. There will no doubt be sorrow in our lives. But there will be great joy as well. Life is an uncertain thing, but that is most definitely part of the fun.

15 comments:

  1. I love the big dreams you have for your big girl!! I hope they all come true!

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  2. She is beautiful, and your post was so touching and hopeful that it brought me to tears... thank you :]

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  3. You're killing me over here. I am a blubbering mess.

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  4. That was so beautifully written! Do they have any idea that we fill them up with so many hopes and dreams? Isn't it a warm feeling to know that our parents thought the same of us? :)

    Thanks for making me smile! She is such a beautiful little girl!

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  5. I love the dreams to come... you have such away with word! lets hope it all comes as slow as we wish but know it won't!

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  6. Damn, you're good. I can't see to the end of the week. It's coming at me so fast that next they're going to be begging me to actually use the toilet. I'll be like,"Oh THIS? Oh, well okay."

    She's a beautiful little girl. That year mark is a big deal. Savor it.

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  7. So good. So, so, so good.

    I write my girls a letter on every birthday. I tried to go back and read a couple of Libbey's and couldn't make it past the first paragraph. I'm so sappy and sentimental when it comes to my girls. But aren't all mothers?

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  8. Way to go, you have me crying my eyes out now!! You do some wonderful writings, way better than me!! I wish S all the dreams you have set for her and another great year with the two of you! She is a cutie, keep enjoying her! Isn't it amazing how one little person can change our lives!!!?

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  9. *bawling at desk like little puppy*

    *sniff*

    Thanks hormones!

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  10. How beautiful...I now have tears in my eyes and chillbumps on my arms!!

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  11. What a beautiful post. She is lucky to have you blogging about her life.

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  12. This is what its all about. Life and loves and the world of possiblities. You and your husband are in for a fun time. Enjoy the ride...

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Give me some sugar, baby!