A Wish for my Daughters

As my girls grow up right before my eyes, I often wonder what it is that they will remember from these days of our togetherness. Will they recall the silly moments, the laughter, the fun? Will they remember the chaotic moments, the impatience, the bickering?  Will it be big trips and special events or the daily routines that stand in their memory? Will they look back at the many wonderful experiences they’ve had or better their childhood disappointments? Will they roll their eyes and commiserate together about all the things I did and said that made them crazy? Likely, the memories will be a little of all of it.

I’m fairly certain that there will be plenty of things that I have said along the way that they will dismiss (both unknowingly and deliberately) as they move into adulthood but I can only hope that they embrace and internalize all the messages I have sent them, both in words and in actions, that are the most important to me; the ones that I hope that they carry with them guide them throughout their lives. About how amazing they are, about how beautiful, strong, capable they are. And that’s just the beginning. There are so many things I want them to grow up knowing.

Every once in a while I see, read or hear something that expresses exactly what I want to say to my girls. When you set a simple, sweet sentiment it to music, like in the case of this song by Lee Ann Womack, it really sings (pun intended). As cheesy as it may seem, I don't mind admitting, I cry every single time I hear this song.

“I hope you still feel small when you stand beside the ocean
Whenever one door closes I hope one more opens
Promise me that you'll give faith a fighting chance
And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance

I hope you dance.”

What messages make you weepy? Tell me I'm not alone.

Comments

[chris]

Tonight's moving tribute to the Connecticut victims on "The Voice". http://youtu.be/IO64urOFNaY

[Billie-Jo]

That was a very powerful post - you said the things I feel about my own growing family and the messages that I am sending to them with my actions and words. Too many pieces of poetry and song can make me weepy so I won't begin to mention them - You are not alone. My children are 16, 10 and 5 and a step daughter of 22 !!!

[SherriS.]

Your post is well timed to speak to my heart. I have twin sons that are 23 years old (how did that happen so fast?). My youngest has hurried to get married, become a dad and now he's pursuing his dream of being a military man. I said goodbye to my 22 mo old grandson and his mommy last week and will see my son once more before he gets on the bus for basic training. So hard knowing they won't be a short drive away.

Brandon broke my heart recently when he asked me if I was proud of him. Oh, that he had to ask! I have always been a sounding board for his decisions and tried to get him to wait on marriage and family - for that to translate to him that I may not be proud - ouch. I'm now on a mission to make sure he knows every day that I couldn't be more proud.

http://sdrv.ms/RBAd0h

[Karen]

Oh you are certainly not alone! I'm especially weepy this time of year with all the holiday songs playing now! My children are now 20, 22 and 23. I'm forever reminding them to "follow their heart". I also try to impress on them that life is trial and error, their mistakes are not their failures but their stepping stones to becoming a better, stronger person. One of my favorite quotes: "if you're down on your luck, check the level of your effort..." I need to remind myself of that one often!!
Happy Holidays!!

[Valerie]

The advice from Mr. Rogers that went around Facebook after the CT shootings brought me to tears and gratitude each time I came across it. I'll definitely share it with my son but also encourage him to BE one of those helpers whenever he can.
http://journeyleaf.typepad.com/journeyleaf/2012/12/seeking-peace.html

[Deidre]

This song by KD Lang makes me smile and weep simultaneously. It embodies everything that I feel and hope for my daughter. I heard it performed live in a private music studio in Santa Monica w/fewer than 100 people, and well, I will never stop being grateful for that moment in time. If you get a chance, listen to it on youtube, itunes, whatever...

Sing It Loud

You were there playing in the sunshine
Imagination going into overtime
There's no way the world could weigh you down
The story in your eyes
Spoke of all the things you realize and dream

Then the days went by like a freight train
Moving fast through the prairie grain
No one ever did explain
You got it on your own
Such a privilege to see you become

Sing it loud, sing it, sing it, sing it loud, sing it
Sing it loud, sing it, sing it, sing it loud, sing it
Sing it loud, sing it, sing it, sing it loud, sing it
Sing it loud, sing it, sing it, sing it loud
So everyone knows
Who you are

Stood by and I watched you make choices
Bit my tongue when I saw you taking chances
Watched you go through a string of romances
Still I never had a doubt
I always knew you knew who you were

When the days grow dark with confusion
You can always give your burdens to the music
And even when I'm gone
There is a song that will play on and on and on

So, sing it loud, sing it, sing it, sing it loud, sing it
Sing it loud, sing it, sing it, sing it loud, sing it
Sing it loud, sing it, sing it, sing it loud, sing it
Sing it loud, sing it, sing it, sing it loud
So everyone knows
Who you are



Read more: K. D. LANG - SING IT LOUD LYRICS