An interlude: In honor of my little girl's accomplishment
Before my passion was ignited with this week's Foster Care postings, before I flew to Orlando to visit my son for a few days, before I lost my links on my sidebar (how DID they get so far down on blog page???); our daughter graduated from college! Last weekend was filled with graduation activities including a "pinning" on Friday night and of course, commencement on Saturday afternoon. Katie graduated with honors with a Bachelor of Science--she's an R.N. It was a rainy weekend at the Ninety-First Annual Commencement at the College of Saint Benedict--but the celebration wasn't dampened.
As she walked into the auditorium with the rest of her graduating class, my mind raced as I remembered, in turbo speed, the life of my little girl. She is such a blessing! If I could do just one thing in this life--I would chose over and over again--to be her mom. My daughter! And to think, I wasn't going to be a parent! My own childhood left me with scars that prevented me from even imagining that parenting could be so wonderful. However, God in His infinite grace--sent me Katie.
I am a firm believer that a child should never serve the needs of the parent; I simply share this with you to acknowledge that my ultimate healing began the first moment I held my little girl. It was an interlude of sorts: the time between anger and acceptance, the space between fear and peace, the gap between doubt and faith. With the arrival of my little girl, I discovered the freedom to love--really love.Last weekend it dawned on me; not only is my little girl all grown up--I have grown along side her as well. My motivation to continue this growth remains intact; for, although she is a married, gainfully employed woman, I remain an influential role model in her life. As mother's, our job--our joy--is never-ending. When our children become adults, it may seem they no longer need us. However, our input is invaluable as we continue to live our lives in a way that will enhance and influence their new found independence.
Yes, Dad's are essential, and husband's too! It is a good thing to be part of a family. Although I spent the first 20 years of my life believing that family meant pain and loss; somehow, in one moment, this little girl showed me that by being her mom I would discover the freedom, the inspiration, and the complete ability to simply love. This, was a priceless education!So for my little girl; God Bless you dear woman! My heart is filled with joy for the little girl you once were and for the woman you have become. May you discover all that God has in store for you as you continue your life as a college graduate, as a new bride, as a Registered Nurse and as one of my most treasured gifts from God.
21 comments:
I will go back and read your post more thoroughly, but the sidebar is down far on the page because one of your posts is too wide. probably one with pictures. just a hint.
thanks for visiting my blog, by the way!
Diane,
What a sweet post honoring your daughter---not just her college graduation, but what she means to you. Mom is graduating in a way too, to a fuller, more mature relationship with your woman daughter, who is still your little girl daughter, too. :-)
Thanks for your sweet words on my blog, too. :-)
when you post pictures next time, try uploading them in the center instead of left or right, that may help. You have a beautiful family, and the foster parent posts really touched my heart.
That is a wonderful! congratulations to you all...that is quite an accomplishment...and she is so beautiful!
thank you for your nice comment...
Congratulations to all of you on her achievement.
Your sidebar - what Tess said. When it happened to me, it was fine with Firefox but not with IE.
A friend narrowed my posting area slightly and shrunk the print a little.
That fixed it until I posted a banner (too wide) and the sidebar slid to the bottom once again. Shrunk the banner - fixed.
Now have baby pics up on blog. He's a cutie.
It sounds like you have each been growing up in different ways. You must be very proud of her acomplishments, and moreso proud of who she has become. I love your post, I look to my future and hope I have a similar attitude with my girls.
I love reading your posts. I feel we can share each other's lives this way. Maybe not as much as if we were in the same town, but still close... thanks for being here.
Congrats to your beloved daughter! Another memory stone in your journey.
Love the pics-I need my hubbie to help me put some pics on my blog. I'm not very up on the whole html thing ;)
thx for sharing!! What an exciting time!!
Congratulations to your daughter. What an accomplishment. I can just sense and feel the pride you have in your post. And you should be proud. I can tell y'all share a beautiful relationship together. I pray it always stays that way.
What a beautiful post, a beautiful daughter, a beautiful family!
May God continue to bless you all. :-)
Thanks for posting on my blog! I think its so neat that people we dont even know can be such a big part of our lifes story through blogger! You daughter is beautiful what is even more precious than words to me is the relationship you have with her! SHe is obviously your heart beat and treasure! and I am sure she knows it! Hope you have a blessed day!
Wonderful post. Congratulations to your daughter :)
Hope you have a wonderful day :)
I could feel the love pouring from your heart as I read your post. Wonderfully written, beautifully said. There is nothing like that love a mother feels for her child. Your Katie is beautiful. She looks so happy. Congratulations to her on her achievment!
Our youngest is Kathleen...Kathy to us. I love all forms of the name.
Thanks for stopping by my blog and leaving such a nice comment. I'll continue reading the rest of your posts but must get off line now!
Congratulations to your daughter, I know you are so proud of her. They grow up too fast!
What a wonderful post! My daughter will be graduating in two weeks too...as a scientist! I love your early pictures and I shall get out ours again soon and wave them around. Congratulations!
Congrats to your daughter! Such a great accomplishment! Have a good one!
Oh Diane,
This is such a beautiful, honest post. You have such a wonderful past with your children. Thank you for sharing the thoughts and pictures of the people that God has used to shape you into such an extraordinary disciple.
Your sidebar may have moved down because you had a line of * or - that went too far over or a picture that was "too big". It happened on mine too. You can edit the posts and the sidebar stuff can return, or you can keep posting and eventually when the large stuff is off the front page, it will return to normal.
Oh, and I tagged you. Stop by to see what it's about.
Diane, that's just really lovely. I'm so glad you have this wonderful daughter to share your heart with. Congratulations to her on the graduation.
Congrats to your daughter and you for raising such a good member of society :) I'm sure she'll thank you later for the baby pic post - but it's soooo sweet!
She's beautiful, Diane. You are blessed.
Thank you for visiting my blog. I'm going to add you to my blogroll. I admire your heart ---
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