Dear Emily,
The school year usually breaks down into quarters – fall break, Christmas break, spring break, summer vacation. And then it starts all over until you graduate and real life begins unless your chosen profession is teaching. Then your adult life will break down into quarter divisions as well. Currently, you are on fall break. You and your parents have taken a short trip to Hot Springs, Arkansas. Technology has allowed me to follow your journey through pictures, and you all appear to be having an amazing time. Last year on fall break, you toured St. Louis, Missouri and rode to the top of the arch – the Gateway to the West. I’m really excited that your parents have chosen to take you places where you can learn about the history of this remarkable country. Going to the beach is fun, but there’s so much more to see in the United States than the beach. Since you took a beach vacation in the summer, your parents are wisely introducing you to other places: spending time with you, teaching you, and having fun with you all at the same time. You are creating some delightful memories.
A few weeks ago, I bought you a set of clothes – size ten. To my dismay, the ten fit perfectly – too perfectly. I should have gotten a size twelve. Luckily, I was able to exchange the outfit, but it hurt my heart. Ten, although double digits, still feels young. You’re still my little girl. But twelve? Twelve is on the cusp of “teen.” I want to stop time, hold back the clock, and say “Wait.” I’m not ready for you to be a teenager with all the drama that goes along with those years. But ready or not – here it comes! That’s why I think your parents are wisely spending great quality time with you now – they too know those years are quickly coming. Soon you will become more and more involved with friends and activities, and time with your parents will become more and more difficult to squeeze in. Time is precious, so they are making the most of it.
I want to make the most of it too. I want to spend as much time as I am allowed with you because I know the day is soon coming when spending the night at BB’s won’t be nearly as much fun for you as hanging out with your friends! And that’s the way it should be. That’s part of growing up. But for now, when you spend the night, it’s you, me, and Horsey in the bed together! For now, after gymnastics, it’s driving all the way to Sonic in Chapel Hill for ice cream. For now, on Wednesday afternoons, it’s picking you up at school for choir practice. For now...Thank you, God for now.
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