Twenty-One Years of Sassy Pants

This Bridge by Shel Silverstein
This bridge will only take you halfway there
To those mysterious lands you long to see:
Through gypsy camps and swirling Arab fairs
And moonlit woods where unicorns run free.
So come and walk awhile with me and share
The twisting trails and wondrous worlds I've known.
But this bridge will only take you halfway there---
The last few steps you'll have to take alone.
(From A Light in the Attic)

Parenting, to me, is a lot like Mr. Silverstein's poem. As the bridge, we bring our children into this world, tend to them, nurture them, read them stories, encourage their imagination and dreams, teach them right from wrong, and then let go when it's time for them to take the rest of their steps alone. Once they're ready to venture out into the world on their own, we step back into the roles of support/advisory staff. It wasn't easy for me to let her go, but we both knew when it was "time" for it.

Twenty-one years ago today the little sassy girl from the picture above came into our lives. She has certainly been a gift to me, but I've been thinking today of what a gift this magical beauty is to the world. She is full of life and exuberance, but she is also kind, thoughtful and responsible. She is a young woman of Faith who always tries to see the best in people. She has a silly, fun sense of humor and a smart mouth. She has a tender heart, but can be ferocious when she's in "protective mode". She loves animals, is kind to the Earth and wants to make positive contributions to the world and the people on it. Keep shining that bright light of yours on the world, my little Freckles. Those of us who love you dearly will be cheering you on every step of the way! Oh, and don't forget...have CAKE!

---