I was in the kitchen making spaghetti when she walked in. I could tell by the hug she gave and the look in her eye that she was craving some mama time.
I love these one-on-one moments with her. Simple and unplanned. Moments that provide insight into her emotions and thoughts. Times where she freely shares the things and feelings that enter her heart.
She stood there discussing her upcoming birthday. I give her a squeeze and sarcastically say, “Next week you turn 9. Then after that, you turn 10. Double digits. I’m not ready for 9, and certainly not ready for 10. Can we just skip your birthday for a couple of years until I’m ready? I’ll just keep you 8 and little, ok?”
I expected a laugh, an eye roll, or an annoyed “MOM!” Instead, she replies with wisdom and grace. She responds in a way that demonstrates her personality and heart. She answers in a way that reveals her true “mama’s girl” spirit. An answer that brings tears to my eyes and joy to my heart.
“Mom, it doesn’t matter that I’ll be 9 or 10 or 87 or 92. I will still need you when I’m double digits. You still need your mom no matter how old you are!”
And she was right. And she was honest. And it was simple.
She would always need me, just as I need my own mother, though mine is gone.
We always need our mothers.
Always.
Near or far, old or young, heaven or earth, you always need your mother.
My cheerful daughter reminded me of the strength and lasting impact of a mother’s influence and love.
What she doesn’t know is that I will always need her too, just as she needs me. It’s a reciprocal love and wish. This beautiful daughter of mine gives me love and praise and perspective. She is young in age but so very wise and mature in spirit.
My sweet girl gives honest and simple and pure perspective. I’m lucky and grateful she’s mine.
Whether 37, 87, 97, or 107, we’ll always need each other.
She’ll need me and I’ll need her, and we’ll always have each other.
No matter our locations, no matter the circumstance, we have each other, always.
